A Sydney high school has sparked outrage by introducing a uniform policy critics say discriminates against girls after banning bike shorts, leggings, and low-cut tops.
Students and parents at Mosman High School on Sydney's lower north shore have slammed the dress code, which started last month.
Mosman High is one of the few state schools in NSW without a designated uniform - a decision made in the 1980s to distinguish itself from nearby private schools.
Female students claim that they face the risk of detention or suspension if they breach the new dress code.
Some have been told off by teachers for wearing tight tops, which aren't on the banned list.
'It seems to me that it's less about the dress code and what you're wearing, and more about your body,' one girl told the Daily Telegraph.
'People with a certain body type won't get 'dress-coded' for low-cut shirts, but if you have a bigger chest, you might get dress-coded for wearing a low-cut shirt.'
The new dress code at Mosman High School on Sydney's lower north shore does not apply to boys.
One parent said that the new restrictions ignored body diversity among young girls.
Principal Susan Wyatt addressed parents' concerns about the new dress code in a recent newsletter.
'Firstly, let me say that non-uniform is such a valuable approach to ensuring equity and support for student wellbeing,' she wrote.
'I believe the dress code is reasonable and presents a balance between comfort and being mindful that we are in a school where learning is the focus.
'Mosman High is a special school, and our non-uniform is part of what makes us special.'
Ms Wyatt has referred media inquiries to the NSW Department of Education, which redirected the matter back to the school.
The saga sparked widespread debate on breakfast television and radio across the nation on Monday.
'It's an interesting one,' Sunrise co-host Nat Barr said.
NSW shadow education spokesperson Sarah Mitchell, who previously served as minister in the former Coalition government, urged the school to resolve the matter after speaking with an impacted student.
'The message I got from speaking to her is that they think there's a double standard,' she told 2GB host Ben Fordham.
'The school leaders, parents and kids should all sit down and find a sensible way forward so that the girls feel comfortable.
'As long as it's not revealing or inappropriate, I think their argument makes sense.'
The saga divided Aussies online.
However, many also supported an activewear ban.
Another added: 'I don't even wanna see it at the shops, let alone know it's being worn in schools. I would never have even contemplated wearing that to school in the 2000s.'
A third wrote: 'It's about time teenagers stopped doing whatever they like for a change.'