British supermarket defends wearable World Cup flag against claims it looks like KKK hood

A man models a wearable England flag, made by Asda, in London, Friday, May 30, 2014. British supermarket chain Asda has been criticized for launching a wearable England flag ahead of the World Cup that some customers say resembles an outfit worn by U.S. far-right organization the Ku Klux Klan. Designers of the flag _ a St. George’s Cross with the word ‘England’ on it _ included a white hood so fans could stay dry while wearing it. (AP Photo/PA, Carmel Wilkinson) UNITED KINGDOM OUT (The Associated Press)

LONDON – British supermarket chain Asda has been criticized for the design of its World Cup wearable England flags that some customers say resemble hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan.

Designers of the flag — a St. George's Cross with the word "England" on it — included a white hood.

In response to customer complaints on Twitter, Asda says on Friday "it's simply a flag with a hood — nothing more, nothing less," adding that designers "opted for a hood as you never know what the British weather will bring."

Asda is owned by American retail giant Wal-Mart.