'TSA requires that all passengers and their accessible property are screened for any items listed on the prohibited items list.

'While travelling from an international location to the US on an US commercial aircraft, former heads of state, and other VIPs, are screened according to the same screening procedures as for any other passenger. If requested, private screening can be provided,' TSA said.

TSA said it regrets 'any inconvenience that Dr. Kalam may have experienced as a result of our standard security requirements. TSA works closely with our international counterparts and our stakeholder air carriers to ensure a safe and secure transportation network.'

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)