These girls didn't want to let their hair down on Tuesday during Native American culture night.

But Arizona Interscholastic Association officials refereeing Tuesday's game at Flagstaff High School told the girls on the basketball team that day to take down their buns.

On Thursday, the officials apologized and the AIA ruled that the traditional Navajo tsiiyeeł may be worn in future games.

So the Flagstaff Eagles, hosting Friday's crosstown rivalry game against the Coconino Panthers, wore their hair in a bun and pulled off a 64-56 victory in front of Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye, Vice President Jonathan Nez and Miss Navajo Nation Alyson Jeri Shirley.

Shirley is a Flagstaff High alumna.

Shirley said she enjoyed being part of the large crowd watching the Eagles play because "basketball is the No. 1 sport on the Navajo Nation, and the majority of the team is Navajo."

The hairstyle is a key part of Navajo identity, worn by men and women.