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The Pentagon has reversed a decision on hairstyles worn by female African American military personnel that some, including an Alabama Congresswoman, described as racist.

In a letter to Congress, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said the change will allow some dreadlocks, cornrows and twisted braids to be worn by female military personnel. The decision comes following a three-month review of the hair style regulations that were included as part of a larger set of grooming rules released by the Army earlier this year.

"Each service reviewed its hairstyle policies to ensure standards are fair and respectful while also meeting military requirements," Hagel wrote in a letter to Congress. "These reviews were informed by a panel of military personnel of mixed demographics reflective of our diverse force."

The previous regulations prohibited female soldiers from wearing twists or multiple braids bigger than a quarter of an inch in diameter. The regulations also banned all dreadlocks and required that cornrow styles be uniform and smaller than a quarter of an inch.

For the Army, the changes include:

Increasing the size of authorized braids, cornrows and twists and eliminating a space requirement; authorizing temporary two-strand twists; authorizing a ponytail during physical training; and eliminating the terms "matted and unkempt," when describing certain styles.

The Navy changes include:

Authorizing two-strand twists and allowing multiple braids to hang freely if they remain above the collar and encompass the entire head. The Navy also removed references to "matted and unkempt" hairstyles.

For the Air Force:

Authorized two-strand twists, Dutch braids and French twists; and changed the term "dreadlocks," to "locs."

The Marine Corps is still reviewing its policies.

Lawmaker complaints

The changes come after military personnel voiced complaints that the regulations were targeted mostly at styles worn by black female soldiers. The Congressional Black Caucus, including member Rep. Terri Sewell, R-Birmingham, wrote to Hagel asking him to reconsider the changes.

"The assumption that individuals wearing these hairstyles cannot maintain them in a way that meets the professionalism of Army standards indicates a lack of cultural sensitivity conducive to creating a tolerant environment for minorities," lawmakers wrote.

On Tuesday, Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge thanked Hagel for his quick response.

"These changes recognize that traditional hairstyles worn by women of color are often necessary to meet our unique needs, and acknowledges that these hairstyles do not result in or reflect less professionalism or commitment to the high standards required to serve within our Armed Forces," Fudge said.