The U.S. Supreme Court has heard arguments in a landmark religious discrimination case involving a Muslim woman rejected from a job for wearing a headscarf. Samantha Elauf was denied a job at an Abercrombie & Fitch store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, even though she was rated highly by her interviewer, because a manager objected to her hijab. The retailer’s rules on employee attire included a ban on caps. The Supreme Court justices appear poised to reverse a lower court ruling rejecting Elauf’s case because she had not explicitly disclosed her religion or asked for an exemption. Christine Nazer, a spokesperson for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which brought the case, read a statement from Elauf outside the court.

Christine Nazer, reading statement by Samantha Elauf: “No one had ever told me that I could not wear a headscarf and sell clothing. Then I learned I was not hired by Abercrombie because I wear a headscarf, which is a symbol of modesty in my Muslim faith. This was shocking to me. I am grateful to the EEOC for looking into my complaint and taking my religious discrimination case to the courts. I am not only standing up for myself, but for all people who wish to adhere to their faith while at work.”