After the controversy, Manal Al-Alam breaks her silence and responds to criticism.

Following a wave of engagement on social media, Chef Manal Al-Alam appeared on Al Arabiya's "Sabah Al Arabiya" program, responding for the first time to the criticism directed at her following her recent appearance without a hijab. This appearance came more than 40 years after she appeared in the traditional hijab, which audiences associated with her on cooking shows.

Manal Al-Alam: “Flexibility is part of my personality.”

Speaking during the interview, Manal emphasized that outward appearance is part of personal identity, and that each individual has the freedom to appear in the way that expresses them. She said, "I am flexible, and that's my nature. I may be formal at times, and natural at other times when I'm with my family. This doesn't mean contradiction; rather, it reflects different aspects of my personality." She also expressed her respect for the public's opinions, but called for accepting people as they are, away from prejudice or insults.

Hijab in photography… a professional custom, not a personal obligation

Manal pointed out that wearing the hijab on cooking shows wasn't always a personal choice stemming from religious conviction or individual commitment, but rather, over time, it became a work-related habit. She explained, "I used to wear a head covering during filming because it was part of a professional appearance, especially while cooking, but my personal life was somewhat different."

Reactions... between freedom and shock

Manal Al-Alam's decision not to wear the hijab sparked a wave of reactions, ranging from full support, who viewed her decision as a personal freedom that did not affect anyone, to sharp criticism from a group that viewed her new appearance as a violation of the image of the conservative woman she had embodied for years. Nevertheless, Manal maintained her calm and respect for her audience, stating only that she preferred constructive criticism and avoided insults, emphasizing that the change did not detract from her career or her respect for societal values.