Bikini ban to be upheld by Miss World competition

Organizers of the Miss World beauty pageant have confirmed that this year's contestants will swap bikinis for more conservative attire during the beach fashion section of the competition.

The decision to have the 137 contestants wear less revealing garments was taken by pageant officials to avoid causing offense in Indonesia where the majority of the population is Muslim.

"I don't want to upset or get anyone in a situation where we are being disrespectful," Miss World Organization chairwoman Julia Morley said. "We treasure respect for all the countries that take part in the pageant."

Pageant organizers will also have to be careful when choosing the performers for the event. Last year, Lady Gaga was forced to cancel a concert in Indonesia after Muslim devotees threatened to burn down the venue if she carried on with her show citing she often just wears "a bra and panties" during her performances.

This year's contest will be held on the resort island of Bali. The Indonesian Ulema Council has already called for the cancelation of the show.