The top defense policy Republican in the Senate threatened Thursday to introduce legislation that would attempt to block part of the Pentagon’s initiative to lift the ban on women in combat after the changes were officially announced.

“If necessary, we will be able to introduce legislation to stop any changes we believe to be detrimental to our fighting forces and capabilities,” Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Okla., ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said in a written statement. “I suspect there will be cases where legislation becomes necessary.”

The Senate is dominated by Democrats, virtually assuring the historic changes ordered by the Pentagon will be implemented over time. But Inhofe’s statement reflects the views of a segment — though not all — of the GOP that objects to some of the social changes being made in the military.

Notably, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who just stepped down as the ranking Republican on the Armed Services panel, welcomed the move.

“I respect and support Secretary [Leon E.] Panetta’s decision to lift the ban on women serving in combat,” he said in a written statement late Wednesday. “As this new rule is implemented, it is critical that we maintain the same high standards that have made the American military the most feared and admired fighting force in the world — particularly the rigorous physical standards for our elite special forces units.”