Security concerns prompt London college to ban face-obscuring hoods and veils

London, England - Security concerns following the July bombings in London have prompted the University of London's Imperial College to ban clothing that obscures the face, including the full veils some Muslims wear.

The new dress code, in effect about a month, allows hoods and scarves which only cover the head as long as the entire face is visible.

The policy is raising concern among some Muslims. Ajmal Masroor, spokesman for the Islamic Society of Britain, said the college should not dictate the clothing students and employees wear.

In the name of security "individual liberties are constantly violated, and this is a dangerous development," Masroor said, and that will alienate youth and violate Britain's multicultural tradition.

But college spokesman Abigail Smith said "this policy is all about security, so people on the campus can be recognized or identified."

None of the eight independently governed University of London colleges that responded to Associated Press inquiries had similar bans in place.