After his first American TV appearance, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman hit headlines once again this week after an interview with CBS for the show ’60 Minutes’ went viral.

His strong statements regarding women and their choice to wear an abaya were widely praised. He said ‘they do not need to wear an abaya as long as their attire is ‘decent and respectful’ similar to men.

The statements have caused a social media storm

“The laws are very clear and stipulated in the laws of Sharia: that women wear decent, respectful clothing, like men. This, however, does not particularly specify a black abaya or a black head cover. The decision is entirely left for women to decide.” Crown Prince MBS @60Minutes

— Norah O’Donnell???????? (@NorahODonnell) March 19, 2018

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Many were messages of suppprt

Women in particular were praising the Crown Prince

The strong feeling being that wearing the abaya is a choice

‘Wearing an abaya or hijab is a woman’s choice’ https://t.co/VHA85KeYpQ

— ahlam1399 (@ahlam13991) March 21, 2018

The outpouring of praise continues

With many supporting the Prince believing he will modernize the Kingdom

We rely on him to industralize our GDP and make changes to modernize our Kingdom. I’m pursuing my studies in order to join and work towards his dreams.

— abdullah albhairi (@AHAlbhairi) March 19, 2018

While some questioned if the ‘choice’ really exists

Can it be really said “by choice” when it is born out of severe cultural, social and religious conditioning? Hijab, burkha or the abaya. https://t.co/pPRAE0xBx9

— HamsterOnTheWheel (@amulyanagaraj) March 21, 2018

And others analysed his use of the word ‘black’