ANKARA, Turkey - The leader of an Islamic-rooted party that won overwhelming victory in Turkish elections said Wednesday that his party would avoid confrontation over a ban against religious headscarves in this predominantly Muslim but secular country.
Islamic headscarves are illegal in public offices and state universities, meaning religious women are unable to enter parliament or classrooms. Ending this ban was key to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's successful campaign for the Justice and Development Party ahead of Sunday's vote.
But he appeared to soften his stance in an exclusive interview Wednesday with The Associated Press.
"This is an issue we want to solve with public consensus," Erdogan said. "But it is not right to give a date" for when it will be resolved.
Erdogan indicated he might push only to lift restrictions at universities.
"The issue at the schools are different. The issue at the government offices are different. Those two issues have to be separated," he said.
Erdogan's two daughters study in the United States because they are not allowed to enter Turkish universities with their headscarves.
Turkey's staunchly secular generals, who pushed a former Islamic government out of power four years ago, see the scarf as a symbol of radical Islam.
At the moment, Erdogan is barred from office because of a conviction for inciting religious hatred, although his party may try to revoke that ban.
Since his party's election victory, Erdogan has assured the public he is committed to Turkey's bid for membership in the European Union and will respect people's lifestyles and guarantee freedom of belief.