(CNN) Sporting goods retailer Decathlon has abandoned plans to sell a sports hijab in France, following a backlash from politicians and the public.

Decathlon said Tuesday that it was halting plans to sell the product in the face of "violent debate" and "threats" made against some of the company's employees in its French stores, which a spokesperson noted were "sometimes physical."

The company instead called for "calm and respect."

The garment, which covers women's hair but not their faces, is already on sale in Decathlon's Moroccan branches, and was due to be rolled out to stores worldwide. The company said it was halting the rollout in France "in the interests of guaranteeing the security of our teammates."

Decathlon initially defended the garment, saying it was developed "based on the needs expressed" by its female customers in Morocco.

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