Sparking a controversy, music legend KJ Yesudas on Thursday said he resented women wearing jeans, saying this went against Indian culture.

"Women should not cause trouble to others by wearing jeans....What should be covered should be covered," Yesudas said at a function organised by a voluntary organisation in connection with the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram.

The 74-year-old singer said this kind of dress went against Indian culture which valued simplicity and amiability as the greatest qualities of women.

Taking exception to the singer's comment, Mahila Congress activists took out a protest march in the city.

"This is a totally unacceptable view. This could be seen only as a transgression on the freedom of women," Mahila Congress leader Bindu Krishna told PTI.

"Yesudas is a great singer and all Indians are proud of his contribution to music. It is unfortunate that this sort of an anti-woman comment has come from him," she added.