Decathlon cancels plans to sell sport hijab in France
Al Jazeera‘Unprecedented wave of insults and threats’ forces French retailer to stop introduction of runner’s hijab in France. Xavier Rivoire, Decathlon’s head of communications, told the RTL broadcaster on Tuesday that the decision was taken “to ensure the safety and security of our own teams”. But later Rivoire told RTL: “We are effectively taking the decision to not sell this product in France for now.” Decathlon already sells the runner’s hijab in its stores in Morocco, and had planned to introduce the garment to France in the coming weeks. Angelique Thibault, who created the garment for Decathlon’s Kalenji running brand, said she was “motivated by the desire that every woman should be able to run in every neighbourhood, every city, every country … regardless of her culture”. I would have preferred that a French brand not promote the veil.” Aurore Berge, spokeswoman for President Emmanuel Macron‘s Republic on the Move party, said that “sport emancipates, it does not suppress”, lambasting “those who tolerate women in a public space only when they hide themselves”.
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We must stand up to hijab bans in all sports in France
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