The Knesset
The KnessetYonatan Sindel/Flash 90

The Knesset will retain a contentious dress code banning short skirts, but will make its enforcement and sanctions against offenders gradual, a committee of MKs and Knesset staff members ruled.

The decision on Tuesday came after staffers had demonstrated in December when colleagues who wore skirts deemed too short were barred from entering the building. This lead to a group of leftist MKs to protest the dress code by arriving at the Knesset in inappropriate attire.

The staffers said that security guards at the Knesset, had started to strictly enforce rules on the length of skirts without giving a reason.

The committee was subsequently formed to examine the issue.

"It was agreed that the dress code would remain in place. At the same time it was decided to create an enforcement mechanism including issuing warnings before denial of entry to the building," a Knesset statement said.

Offending staff members will get two warnings about inappropriate dress and would only be denied entry if there was a third occasion.

"Arrival at the Knesset should be in proper and dignified attire," the statement added. "One should not arrive in clothing which does not show respect for the Knesset, such as T-shirts, crop-tops, shorts, sandals, short dresses or skirts, tracksuits."

It said that shirts bearing political slogans were also banned. Though the dress code does not specify what is an appropriate skirt length, miniskirts are not allowed to be worn.