H&M sparks fury for selling 'offensive' striped scarf which looks like Jewish prayer shawl

Is anybody hurt by this?

High-street retailer H&M has come under fire for selling a striped scarf which looks remarkably similar to a traditional Jewish garment used for prayer.

The controversial striped accessory is currently on sale for £12.99 on the shop's UK website.

But Twitter users noticed the design was reminiscent of a tallit scarf, in the same cream colour with black stripes and knotted ends.

The tallit scarf is traditionally worn during prayer and led many to voice their outrage.

Twitter user Rav Ruttenberg wrote: 'Dear fashion, please step off other people's ritual items (or symbols of liberation really)' and posted a link to the H&M item.

Jason Rosenbaum posted: 'Wow. I'm not easily offended but that is one offensive scarf.'

An H&M spokesperson told FEMAIL: 'We are truly sorry if we have offended anyone with this piece.

'Everyone is welcome at H&M and we never take a religious or political stand. Stripes is one of the trends for this season and something we were inspired by. Our intention was never to upset anyone.'

The spokesperson added to i100: 'The quantities were small and the products are no longer available in some markets.'

SOURCE