Michelle Obama Sparks Backlash By Forgoing Headscarf In Saudi Arabia

First Lady Michelle Obama is sparking backlash after she failed to wear a headscarf during a recent visit to the conservative Middle Eastern country of Saudi Arabia.

Although it is customary for western women to dress conservatively but forgo the headscarf when visiting the Middle East, Obama's decision still made waves in the conservative Islamic community.

Photos from the president's short trip to Riyadh earlier this week show Michelle Obama and other female American dignitaries forgoing the headscarf. Obama still wore a loose-fitting blouse with long sleeves and loose fitting pants to keep with Saudi Arabia's expectation of conservative dress for women.

The Twitter hashtag "#Michelle_Obama_unveiled" was used more than 1,500 times on Tuesday after photos of the First Lady without a headscarf surfaced. Some Twitter users questioned why the First Lady opted to wear a headscarf when she visited Indonesia in 2014, but chose not to wear one in Saudi Arabia, an equally conservative country.

Opinions on Michelle Obama's headscarf were mixed, with some saying they were offended by the First Lady's alleged lack of respect, while others said they didn't mind her choice to represent herself as a western woman.

"I actually do not appreciate her disrespect. Regardless of personal feelings and beliefs, #Michelle_Obama_NotVeiled," tweeted Mony Al-Ali.

"A woman's open & direct msg to Saudi authorities worth much more than her husband's words. #Michelle_Obama_NotVeiled," added Ali Batu Karaali.

Some have criticized the president's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, especially due to the country's controversial human rights record that includes not allowing women to drive in the Middle Eastern country.