Controversy arose after German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen and her entourage refused to wear hijab head coverings or the full length abaya garment while visiting Riyadh last week.
Von der Leyen said that she "respect the customs and traditions of the country,” but added that, "No woman in my delegation will be required to wear the abaya, as the right to choose one’s attire is a right shared by men and women equally,” according to Iran Front Page.
Her announcement came days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a ban on the burqa head covering in Germany.
During a meeting with Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman al Saud, her counterpart in Saudi Arabia, Von der Leyen wore a dark blue suit while al Saud donned the traditional ghutrah head covering and white thobe garment.
