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Eleven French towns have banned the burqini, the full-body swimsuit worn by some Muslim women.

Following the move, France's Prime Minister Manuel Valls said a burqini is "not compatible" with French values and that beaches "must be free of wardrobe associated with religion and politics".

Though there has been a widespread debate about the ban, the backstory of the controversial garment is often overlooked.

The burqini didn’t originate in the Middle East or a Muslim country, in fact it was invented in Australia by Aheda Zanetti, who is the owner of Ahiida swimwear.

She told our programme about the origins of the burqini and how she came up with the name.

(Photo: A Muslim model displays a burqini swimsuit. Credit: Getty Images)