Washington ( CNN ) -- Airline passengers can expect to see as well as feel new pat-down procedures at U.S. airports over the coming weeks in an effort to provide another layer of security for travelers , the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday . `` Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives , '' according to a TSA statement sent to CNN . The TSA said passengers should continue to expect `` an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection , advanced imaging technology , canine teams , among others . '' But it 's the hands-on procedures that have at least one traveler concerned that the TSA may be going too far . Rosemary Fitzpatrick , a CNN employee , said she was subjected to a pat-down at the Orlando , Florida , airport on Wednesday night after her underwire bra set off a magnetometer . She said she was taken to a private area and searched , with transportation screening officers telling her the pat-down was a new procedure . According to Fitzpatrick , a female screener ran her hands around her breasts , over her stomach , buttocks and her inner thighs , and briefly touched her crotch . `` I felt helpless , I felt violated , and I felt humiliated , '' Fitzpatrick said , adding that she was reduced to tears at the checkpoint . She particularly objected to the fact that travelers were not warned about the new procedures . Fitzpatrick sent an e-mail complaint about her experience to the TSA that said the agency needs to get the word out so that travelers know their rights . The TSA employees `` conducted themselves in a professional manner , so my complaint is not about them professionally , '' Fitzpatrick wrote . She told the TSA the agency needs to get the word out so the travelers know their rights . `` I am appalled and disgusted at the new search procedures and the fact that passengers have not been made aware of the new invasive steps prior to entering the security area , '' Fitzpatrick wrote . `` It appears once you enter the security area , passengers forfeit their rights . There were no signs , video information , etc . at the entrance of the security area the airport . Why ? '' She added : `` As an experienced traveler for work who was in tears for most of the search process , I have never experienced a more traumatic and invasive travel event ! '' The TSA sent an automated initial e-mail response to Fitzpatrick saying , `` Thank you for your inquiry to the Transportation Security Administration . We have forwarded your e-mail to the appropriate group for response . '' In its statement to CNN , the TSA said : `` Pat-down procedures are used to resolve alarms that occur at a walk-through metal detector , if an anomaly is detected during screening with advanced imaging technology or during random screening . '' The statement also indicated that `` passengers who opt out of advanced imaging technology screening will receive alternate screening to include a thorough pat-down . '' CNN 's Jeanne Meserve and Carol Cratty contributed to this story .
The move is to help detect hidden items , TSA says . Comment: Pat-downs are only used after an initial alarm is triggered , TSA says .