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American Eagle Features Hijab in Fall Collection

An American teen retailer has released a denim hijab as part of its fall collection, and forming s part of the company’s recent fashion-for-all campaign, a decision which has sparked mixed responses.

“Thank you American Eagle for encouraging young America to follow their passions, express their individuality and pursue their unique paths,” Halima Aden, a Somali-American model who signed with IMG Models earlier this year, posted on her Instagram account, along with a video from the fall denim campaign.

The move also suggests some positive u-turn for American Eagle, which in 2008 denied a 17-year-old a job because she wore a black head scarf to the interview. The company claimed it violated its “look policy.”

The campaign styles hijab to look fresh and fun, paired with a denim button-down shirt, olive jacket and navy floral frock layered over pants.

However, the approach has drawn some condemnations  on social media.

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“Supporting the Muslim Hijab is supporting the enslavement of women …” one tweet said in protest. “Will Nike provide male guardians so that hijabis can go out for a job?” echoed another.

This release comes on the heels of Nike’s announcement earlier this year that it plans to make available next spring a “Pro Hijab,”  designed in black with signature Nike “swoosh” logo.

It has been designed in collaboration with Muslim athletes and will be made from a dark, breathable polyester fabric. American Eagle and Nike have shown their respective hijabs on actual Muslim models.

Islam sees hijab as an obligatory code of dress, not a religious symbol displaying one’s affiliations.