Watch CBS News

Nike Has A New Product For Muslim Women: The 'Pro Hijab'

By Zahraa Alkhalisi

PHILADELPHIA (CNN) -- Nike will soon begin selling a performance hijab for Muslim women athletes.

The head cover, called the "Nike Pro Hijab," boasts a single-layer pull-on design made from lightweight polyester in dark, neutral colors. The fabric's tiny holes will make it breathable while remaining opaque, a requirement for hijab-wearing women.

Nike said it began developing the hijab after some Muslim athletes complained about wearing a traditional head scarf during competition.

Casey Anthony: 'I'm Still Not Even Certain' What Happened To My Daughter

The design process took 13 months, and the final product will be available for sale in the company's Spring 2018 season.

Nike said the hijab is already being worn by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari.

"I was thrilled and a bit emotional to see Nike prototyping a Hijab," Lari said in a statement. "I've tried so many different hijabs for performance, and ... so few of them actually work for me. But once I put it on and took it for a spin on the ice, I was blown away by the fit and the light weight."

The move comes just weeks after a controversial Nike ad released in the Middle East.

George Michael Died From Natural Causes, Coroner Says

It featured five successful female professional from different parts of the Arab world pursing their athletic dreams while a voice asks,

"what will they say about you?" It's a rhetorical question that many young Arab women face if they step out of cultural and traditional norms.

The video went viral with million of views on social media, prompting a debate over its message.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2017 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.