Barack Obama, the US Democratic presidential candidate, has apologised to two Muslim women who were banned from sitting behind him during a speech because they were wearing headscarves.

Shimaa Abdelfadeel and Hebba Aref were prevented by volunteers from taking seats behind Obama at a televised event in the city of Detroit on Monday.

"I reached out to Ms Aref and Ms Abdelfadeel this afternoon," Obama said in a statement.

"I spoke with Ms Abdelfadeel, and expressed my deepest apologies for the incident that occurred with volunteers at the event in Detroit."

Obama said the volunteers' actions were "unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign".

"I take deepest offence to and will continue to fight against discrimination against people of any religious group or background," he said.

The two women issued a statement saying the "incident was unfortunate and extremely disappointing."

However they said that they appreciated Obama's apology and said they would continue to support his presidential campaign.

"The infringement on our rights occurred and has been addressed; now we are ready to move forward."

Muslim appeal

His personal apology followed an earlier apology made to the women by his campaign staff.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a US Muslim group, urged candidates from parties not to give in to pressure from groups that sought to stigmatise Muslims.

"We welcome the campaign's apology and urge candidates of all parties not to give in to pressure from the vocal minority of Islamophobes in our society that seeks to stigmatise Islam and marginalise American Muslims," Corey Saylor, a CAIR director said.

"All presidential campaigns need to clearly answer the question: Should American Muslims be marginalised from their country's political process simply because of their faith?"