French ban of abaya robes in schools draws applause, criticism
Some academics agree the move could be counterproductive, all the more as it touches on clothing they say is worn for fashion or identity rather than religion.
France to ban Muslim abaya dress in state schools
In 2004, France banned headscarves in schools and passed a ban on full face veils in public in 2010, angering some in its five million-strong Muslim community.
