On Tuesday, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau publicly expressed his strong disagreement with five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner regarding the issue of wearing the hijab in sports competitions.

Riner had previously stated that France was "losing its time" debating the matter and advocated for a focus on equality, rather than fixating on a single religion.

Retailleau, in an interview with Europe 1/CNews, acknowledged his admiration for Riner's athletic achievements but emphasized, "I am in radical disagreement with him." He clarified his position by stating, "The hijab is not a symbol of freedom; it is a symbol of submission."

Further elaborating on his views, Retailleau claimed that the hijab does not represent equality but rather undermines it, asserting that it fundamentally contests the equality between men and women and indicates a diminished status for women.

Moreover, he acknowledged that while not all women who wear the hijab are Islamists, he remarked that it is challenging to find an Islamist who does not wish for women to wear it.

The debate surrounding the hijab in sports has intensified, particularly following a proposal by the Les Républicains party to ban the hijab during competitions, including amateur sports.

This legislation was passed in February by the Senate and is set to be reviewed by the National Assembly.

Retailleau's comments reflect growing discontent and divisions within the French government regarding the hijab.

Prime Minister François Bayrou held a meeting with several ministers in mid-March to address the discord stemming from varying perspectives on the subject.

Retailleau reinforced the government's stance, stating, "The line of the government is the prohibition of the hijab in sporting events to preserve the sanctity of sports."