The unprecedented appearance of a female anchor on Saudi state television without a headscarf has caused a scandal in the deeply conservative kingdom.
The unnamed anchor, who has previously worn a hijab in clips circulated online, was reading a bulletin aired from London for the Al Ekhbariya channel.
Islamic dress codes in Saudi Arabia require women to dress “modestly” –with headscarves, veils and full-length abayas.
While women do sometimes appear without headscarves in programs broadcast by state-controlled channels, news anchors are never seen without the hijab.
Saleh Al Mughailif, a spokesman for Saudi radio and television said that the anchor was reading the news from the broadcaster's British studio.
He promised that all measures would be adopted to guarantee there is no repeat of the incident after many viewers voiced outrage.
Al Ekhbariya, which has offices in the Middle East, Europe and America, is known for its use of female anchors after having its maiden broadcast in 2004 presented by the country’s first female news anchor.
Social networks in the Saudi kingdom commented on the unusual incident of an unveiled woman reading the news, as some deemed it as a transgression of national traditions.
Others said the issue should not be blown out of proportion or welcomed it as a sign of women’s rights.
Lashes, hanging and even beheading are among the punishments for women convicted of blasphemy, apostasy, adultery and witchcraft.
Also, it is illegal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia, as Islamic codes of behavior and dress are strictly implemented by the “mutawa” religious police.
Saudi society has been divided over granting women more rights as the Government’s labor ministry encourages more women to find jobs in the private sector, against strong resistance from conservative groups.