Prosecutors in the Egyptian governorate of South Sinai are questioning a beach resort official after he allegedly attempted to ban a woman from wearing a full-body burkini in a swimming pool and verbally berated her.

The woman filed a legal complaint alleging the official in the resort in Raas Sedr asked her to get out of the pool as she was swimming in her burkini and when she refused he hurled insults at her and her friends, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported.

She claims he then threw chlorine in the pool, while describing her swimwear as "disgusting." He ordered resort workers to take their clothes off and swim in their underwear next to the women in a sign of derision, she added.  

The prosecutors are identifying whether the resort regulations include any ban on burkinis.

The burkini, which originated in Australia, is a swimsuit that covers much of the body and the head, and has been favoured by Muslim women who prefer to cover on the beach.

A recent ban on the burkini in some French towns has caused worldwide controversy after photos emerged of armed French police confronting a woman on the beach and forcing her to remove some of her clothing.

A top French court on Friday suspended the ban on wearing the garment.

In Cairo, many women who wear the hijab have complained that they are prevented from entering restaurants, night clubs and other venues due to their dress.