Penneys has apologised after an employee at its Belfast store was warned her Irish language Christmas jumper could be deemed offensive.
A female employee at the store was said to have worn a jumper that said 'Nollaig Shona'.
She was then asked to visit the office and told some people could find the Irish writing offensive.
The employee was also told Spanish-language clothing would be acceptable, but Irish language clothing is not, and ordered to report to the firm's head office over the issue.
The firm has since apologised over the incident.
The company confirmed the incident occurred, and said it does not have a policy that prevents the use of Irish language on clothing.
In a statement it said: "We support an inclusive workplace where everyone should feel welcome at work.
"We are really sorry that this incident took place, this was an isolated event that should not have happened, and we are taking steps to provide further guidance to our colleagues on our workwear policy."
The issue of the Irish language in Northern Ireland has been a contentious one with a sign being removed in Derry earlier this year.
Penneys was founded in Ireland in 1969 and operates under the name Primark in international markets.
It employs more than 65,000 people across 14 countries in Europe and the US.
