ISTANBUL (AP) — Turks donned shorts and gathered in central Istanbul to condemn the assault of a young nurse who was attacked on a public bus this month for wearing shorts.

With chants of "Don't interfere with my shorts!" Sunday's protest aimed to show solidarity with Aysegul Terzi, who was kicked in the face by a man, Abdullah Cakiroglu, on Sept. 12.

Cakiroglu confessed to attacking Terzi for what he called her "inappropriate" clothing, yet was released from custody despite expressing no remorse, according to Turkish news reports. He was then re-arrested on charges of inciting hatred and interfering with the right to freedom following a public uproar. On social media, critics accusing the Turkish authorities of expressing tacit approval of Cakiroglu's actions.

A similar shorts protest is scheduled for Ankara.