Chinese University lifts ban on miniskirts and hotpants after student outcry

A Chinese university has lifted its ban on miniskirts and hotpants in the library after an outcry from students.

Hunan Agricultural University originally issued the restrictions when a male scholar complained his work was being "disrupted".

It posted a notice on the library doors restricting students from entering wearing dresses and shorts less than 50cm in length.

Female students said they had been stopped from going into the library by security guards because of what they were wearing.

The ban attracted criticism on Chinese social media, particularly after it was reported that it has been claimed that miniskirts were "a form of sexual harassment".

"Simply wearing clothes is not sending out a sexual invitation," said one user of Weibo. "The reason does not stand."

The university removed the notice on Friday and issued an apology to female students.

"We apologise for the confusion and inconvenience brought by our recent work," it said in a statement.

"We're determined to optimise management and improve service quality, creating a better reading environment.

"We welcome students to come to the library to study and be readers with good manners."

The miniskirt ban was replaced with a notice restricting students from entering the library wearing vests or flip flops.

Students would also not be able to study in their underwear, according to an unnamed staff member quoted in the Global Times.