A Muslim woman in France has been banned from swimming in a public pool wearing a swimsuit that covers most of her body.
The 35-year-old says she was prevented from wearing the garment, known as a burkini, even though she had been allowed to do so previously, the BBC reports.
The burkini consists of a headscarf, tunic and trousers, but officals say it is prohibited because of strict hygiene standards in French swimming pools.
The woman converted to Islam as a teenager says she had been allowed to swim in the outfit several times before being told it is against the rules.
She has accused pool staff of religious discrimination.
However, women and men are banned from wearing any baggy clothing including Bermuda shorts in public pools in France in case they have been wearing them on the street and they might be dirty.
The French government is considering whether to ban Muslim women from wearing burkas which cover their faces.
President Nicolas Sarkozy says burkas are not welcome in France because they turn women into prisoners.
