Roman Catholic nuns have accused Germany's president of comparing their religious clothing to the "oppressive" headscarf worn by Islamic women.
In a letter to President Johannes Rau, the nuns condemned his recent remarks that if schools go ahead with plans to ban the Muslim headscarf, or hijab, in the classroom, habits and Christian symbols should also be banned.
"We find the comparison of the headscarf and the habit outrageous," a group of leading nuns told Mr Rau.
"We are also shocked that you even name the crucifix in the same breath as the headscarf. For us it is the symbol of our belief in Jesus Christ that we will protect from any attempt to relegate it."
Germany, home to about 3.5 million Muslims, has been locked in a debate over the headscarf for months since the governments of several states announced that they planned to introduce a headscarf ban in schools. Teachers unions have voiced their strong opposition to the decision.