Late on Tuesday, BBC Three's official YouTube channel shared a video titled "Things Not to Say to Someone Who Wears a Burqa."
In it, women who wear the face veil list a few hurtful remarks they wish they'd hear less often.
Soon after the video was shared, it caught people's attention on social media and the reactions to it were quite harsh and uncalled for... to say the least.
The attempt to clear misconceptions on women who wear the face veil backfired
The video seems to be an attempt to clear misconceptions surrounding the face veil. It nevertheless sparked fury among BBC's followers.
This is quite understandable given the fact that the face veil has been causing controversy in several European countries over the past few years and is officially banned in several, including France, >Belgium and Italy.
Regardless of whether people are with or against the face veil, nothing justifies the vile, racist comments the women were subjected to. Even though thousands of comments posted under the video were extremely hateful, there were still a few that raised legitimate points.
Many of the reactions were simply too harsh
"Get out of my country and take the BBC with you"
Others were filled with racist stereotypes
"Why are you wearing a trashbag?"
Not all comments were offensive though, a few raised legitimate arguments
Many defended the women
"Comments on this are appalling. All ladies in this video are awesome"
The Niqab and Burqa... controversial face veils
There have always been differing opinions among Muslim scholars when it comes to the face veil.
While most believe it is not obligatory, some think it is.
Speaking to ABC News Australia, Dr. Raihan Ismail, a lecturer in Middle East Politics and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, clarified a few points about the controversial face veil.
"The Koran does not explicitly say you have to cover yourself in this manner," she explained.
"Some scholars argue that it is a religious obligation, particularly the more conservative factions within the Muslim world. There are many variations and interpretations," she added.
When asked why women would choose to wear any kind of veil, including the niqab (full body covering with a slit for the eyes) or the burqa, (full body covering with mesh over the eyes,) Dr Ismail said:
"Some women wear it because they strongly believe it is their religious obligation."
She also conceded that others "may be pressured into covering themselves."