RIO — When the Egyptian women’s beach volleyball team met with its German counterpart in the Rio Olympics last week, the discrepancy in the players’ attire received more attention than the difference in their scores. 

Egyptian players, sporting a Hijab, were covered from head to toe. German woman, however, wore bikini-style suits. 

Conservative British tabloid, the Daily Mail said photos of the game demonstrated “massive cultural divide.”

But social media users were quick to point to the unifying power of sports, as the women were competing on the same field, playing the same game and abiding by the same rules. 

After Tuesday’s match, which Egypt lost 21-10 21-13, Egyptian player Doaa Elghobashy looked visibly frustrated by the media attention as she told Reuters she had worn a hijab for 10 years and felt completely comfortable in the outfit.

“We were very proud to play in front of such a great crowd,” she said through a translator. “I wear a hijab because I am a Muslim, but it doesn’t stop me feeling a part of this game.”

Her partner, Nada Meawad, also wore long sleeves but did not cover her head.

In the bleachers, Brazilian fans were supportive of a country without much beach volleyball tradition.

“I was cheering for them,” said Thana Zelide, 19, wearing a green bikini top in the blazing Rio sun. “They were about my age and were up against it in this match.”

For Hudson Heluy, a 36-year-old Rio restaurant owner, the difference in cultures is what the Olympics is all about.

“It’s really cool to have all these different countries in Rio and today Egypt needed our support.”