( CNN ) -- A Massachusetts college has modified a controversial security policy after criticism it infringed on the religious rights of students , a school official said Friday . The policy originally banned any head covering that obscured the student 's face while engaged in student activities . The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences e-mailed students about the initial changes this week , saying , `` Any head covering that obscures a student 's face may not be worn , either on campus or at clinical sites , except when required for medical reasons . '' School officials said the policy was intended to ensure that all students would be identifiable `` for reasons of safety and security . '' But on Thursday , the policy was changed to include an exception `` for medical and/or religious reasons . '' The original policy had prompted questions and concerns among Muslim students and organizations , particularly because it meant Muslim women at the college could no longer wear the niqab , or face veil . The college -- with campuses in Boston and Worcester , Massachusetts , as well as Manchester , New Hampshire -- stated that the initial modification was `` based on a constructive dialogue with our extended community , and an intensive review of safety and security measures with advisors . '' College spokesman Michael Ratty said , `` We will achieve our objective of campus security while allowing for a medical and/or religious accommodation . As always , our primary concern is the security and safety of all our students , faculty and staff . '' Ratty stressed that Muslims were involved in the original policy decision saying , `` Prior to implementation , the college discussed it with several officials within the Muslim community . '' Muslim students had mixed reactions to the original ban . Aisha Bajwa , president of the Muslim Students Association at the college , called the unmodified policy `` unjustified and unconstitutional . '' Bajwa , who does not wear the niqab , said that having to wear student IDs at all times keeps students safe . Ibrahim Hooper , communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations , thinks the policy targeted Muslim students and filed a third-party complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission . Writing to the commission , the Council invoked Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , which prohibits employers from discriminating based on religion . Hooper acknowledged that the college 's policy focuses on students but said it will inevitably target Muslim employees in the future . After the complaint , George Humphrey , the vice president for College Relations , e-mailed Hooper , announcing the new policy . `` We have reviewed our ID policy and made an accommodation for religious reasons , '' the e-mail said . `` Thank you for your input on this matter . '' Hooper then stated , `` We are pleased that the religious rights of all students and staff will now be protected . This is a victory for religious freedom and tolerance . '' Ratty said , `` The complaint was not the sole reason for the reversal but rather an ongoing discussion this week with our community . '' Daniel Pipes , director of the Middle East Forum , supported the original policy . Though Pipes acknowledged the larger cultural debate , he said the college is focusing on security . `` I have documented dozens and dozens of cases about criminality and terrorism that have been abetted by burqas and niqabs , '' he said . `` It is sensible to ban these , and there are a number of these bans in institutions such as banks or jewelry stores . '' With increasing concern about terrorist attacks , religious practices will have to be weighed against security , Pipes said . `` In Turkey , the hijab has been banned from government offices , so this is not something that is just an American concern , '' he added .
School banned head coverings that obscured student 's face during student activities . Policy provoked concerns from Muslim students , organizations . Comment: Official says Muslims involved in drafting of original policy .