The US carrier first justified its action, saying it was in accordance with procedure. Later, it stated it had sent an apology to Kalam.

The incident had created waves in parliament, with MPs from across the spectrum expressing outrage over Kalam being reportedly subjected to a full body check and even asked to remove his footwear as he waited on the aerobridge of the Newark-bound flight at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

'The frisking was absolutely unpardonable,' Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in the Rajya Sabha. 'Action will be taken in accordance with the sentiments of the house.'