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RIYADH. — US first lady’s decision not to cover her head as she and President Obama met King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has caused a stir on social media.

She has drawn attention to the severe restrictions placed on women in Saudi Arabia by not wearing a headscarf during a visit to the country after the death of King Abdullah.

The US first lady’s decision to not cover her hair when she and President Obama met Abdullah’s successor, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Tuesday caused a stir on social media, prompting the hashtag #michelle_obama_notveiled.

Her statement brought plenty of positive responses on Twitter:

@Piccia tweeted: “THANK YOU @MichelleObama for standing up for women. Now can we also tell them that lashes & beheadings are not ok.” And. Ali Batu Karaali @abkaraali wrote, “A woman’s open & direct msg to Saudi authorities worth much more than her husband’s words.”

However, others were less impressed. Mony Al-Ali @MonaBadah tweeted, “I actually do not appreciate her disrespect. Regardless of personal feelings and beliefs, she was a guest in another country &culture. She should make no judgements, but show proper respect at a funeral.” Another observer Abhimanyu Arora @Random_Arora said, “Michelle Obama should’ve stayed in Airforce One as a sign of boycott rather than flouting rules of another country.” Other than not covering her head, Obama dressed conservatively in black pants and a long jacket, which is often chosen by western women visiting the kingdom though forbidden for Saudi women. — The Guardian