The Retailers Association has called for hijabs, hoodies and helmets to be banned from shops and banks.

The Queensland-based organisation says it represents smaller, independent retailers in Australia.

Association executive director Scott Driscoll says the items could be used as a disguise by criminals.

Mr Driscoll says the issue is about security, not religion.

"We're certainly getting reports from overseas that these pieces of clothing are actually being utilised by people that are not of the Muslim faith and certainly have ulterior motives," he said.

"That's bringing us to a point now of realising we need to be moving into the current times and addressing these things right across the board.

"It is not intended whatsoever to show disrespect to the Muslim community - indeed it's the opposite.

"We want to protect the reputation of all good people in the community - we've got the support and the backing of some senior Muslim leaders from across the country."

The debate was triggered by on-air comments from a commercial radio presenter in Brisbane.