French retailer Decathalon has quickly backpedaled on a heavily promoted "sports hijab" which allowed Muslim women to work out while still remaining in compliance with Sharia law, after the garment faced immediate pushback from outraged politicians and members of the public.
Decathalon initially 'doubled down' - arguing over social media that they were offering women a suitable sports product, without judgement.
Less than 24 hours later, however, the sports hijab was pulled following "many internal debates, and to guarantee the safety of our employees in France," and a "violent controversy" surrounding the hijab
French retailer Decathlon has backtracked on plans to sell a sportswear hijab after receiving what it described as "unprecedented insults and threats".
"Our mission is to create … products at the fairest prices, anywhere in the world," it said in a statement on its website, adding that in light of the "violent controversy", it would be suspending the product's rollout.
On social media some lauded the company's "wise decision", while others lamented moves to "give in to the haters and racists of this country".
Sports retailer Nike has marketed a sportwear hijab in France since 2017.