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But many Muslim women, including weight lifter Amna Al Haddad, the brand’s target audience for its Pro Hijab, applauded the company for its new product, which was developed with the help of hijab-wearing athletes.

“In the past, the big brands didn’t see the need or market for it as it was not ‘popular’ and it was unheard of to see women train, exercise and compete in hijab,” Haddad shared on Instagram.

Others responded to the polarizing criticism of the Pro Hijab, writing that for them, wearing the hijab is not oppression, but a choice.

Wearing a hijab is a choice not oppression. Taking away our freedom to choose is oppression. My hijab is my identity which I chose #hijabban — MAK (@randommuslimmah) March 15, 2017

The hijab is not about 'oppression of women'. If a woman chooses to wear it and be amazing at her sport, why should anyone care? #nikehijab pic.twitter.com/eb3kB223vr — Jasmine (@whole_hopefull) March 15, 2017

Users are also sharing a video by Hanna Yusuf of The Guardian, in which the Muslim feminist addressed critics of the hijab and said that wearing hers is a feminist statement.

“In a world where a woman’s value is often reduced to her sexual allure, what could be more empowering than rejecting that notion?” she said.

But, Yusuf said, her concern with the hijab being unfairly portrayed as oppression is not a denial of the fact that some women are forced to wear it in some parts of the world.

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According to a press release obtained by Fortune.com, the Nike Pro Hijab is expected to cost $35, and is similar to its other Nike Pro products: "inconspicuous, almost like a second skin."



The move followed Nike's viral campaign called "What Will They Say About You?"— a digital ad targeted at women in the Arab world, featuring female athletes such as figure skater Zahra Lari of the United Arab Emirates and boxer Arifa Bseiso from Jordan.

Nike’s Pro Hijab will be on sale in Spring 2018.