The Swedish apparel company H&M has received mixed reviews on social media after introducing a women’s scarf that looks like a tallit, a traditional Jewish prayer shawl.

Selling on H&M’s website for $17.99, the beige scarf with black stripes even has short fringes at its ends resembling the prayer shawl to a tee.

H&M 'tallit' scarf Photo: H&M website screenshot

The women’s “tallit” led to many mixed reactions from Jews around the world. Some accused the company of shamefully using a sacred Jewish religious symbol in such a way, while others cynically wondered, "Is there a tekhelet (blue fringe) option?”

This is not the first time the company made use of Jewish themes and ideas – in 2011, they issued a similarly-styled women’s poncho.

H&M poncho
H&M ponchoPhoto: H&M website screenshot