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Egypt’s state-run television has suspended eight of its female presenters for being overweight — telling them they can return to the air only after they go on a diet.

The move sparked outrage among women’s groups and members of parliament but state television authorities show no sign of backing down.

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The presenters were given a month to lose weight and told they will not be allowed back on screen until they have an “appropriate appearance,” according to the Youm7 newspaper.

The decision was made by Safaa Hegazi, the female chief of Egypt’s ERTU public broadcaster.

She took over the position in April on a promise to modernize Egyptian state and make it once again competitive with other major broadcasters in the Arab world.

Hegazi’s order to suspend the eight women seems to have been part of this drive to overhaul her organization’s look.