In a letter to the Guardian, one Linda Allan of Bath responds to Manal Omar’s article detailing the hostility she faced when wearing an “Islamic-style” swimsuit at a fitness club in Oxford:

“I’ll tell you why you shouldn’t go swimming like this in Britain; it’s because women in this country are equal to men and are not obliged to cover themselves up when swimming – or indeed at any other time – because some men somewhere have decided that’s how it has to be.

“Women in Britain fought for and died for the right to be equal. In this country we are able to dress, or undress, exactly as we see fit. If that’s not your choice, poor you. But don’t be surprised when people mock you and pass comment on your totally inappropriate clothing for swimming.”

Happily, most of the other letters are in support of Manal Omar.