Rights groups have accused France of “discriminatory hypocrisy” for refusing to allow its athletes to wear the hijab during the Paris Olympics, starting in ten days.

Amnesty International and ten other organizations stated that the ban prevents athletes from exercising their right to play sports without discrimination.

They had appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reverse the ban, but the IOC responded that it was beyond their remit, noting that “freedom of religion is interpreted in many different ways by different states.”

The IOC had previously clarified that athletes could wear the hijab in the Olympic Village, stating, “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”

France announced the ban in September, with Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera citing the principle of secularism and stating it means a ban on any type of proselytizing, ensuring “absolute neutrality in public services,” the Daily Mail has reported.

The ban, which affects special types of hijabs worn by athletes, has drawn significant criticism from both within France and international rights groups.

Written by B.C. Begley