But her views about women's dress resonate with Modi's supporters, who fear Islamist influence in India and point out that Indian authorities are not alone in their efforts to restrict the hijab.

The BJP on Thursday asserted that it will always be opposed to students wearing hijab or any dress other than uniforms in schools, and said religious freedom cannot be used to promote "separatism".

Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first Muslim athlete to compete for the United States while wearing hijab when she won fencing bronze at Rio 2016 Sign up for ...