TSA issues a statement to counter accusations

The blogosphere is buzzing this morning with the TSA's handling of Mandi Hamlin's nipple rings. Pun, most definitely intended. Hamlin's lawyer, Gloria Allred, sent the director of the TSA's Office of Civil Rights and Liberties a letter demanding an apology.

To catch you up to speed, Hamlin was forced to remove nipple rings before boarding a flight in TSA Bra Bomb ImageFebruary. She says the TSA agents were rude and laughed at her while she painfully tried to pry the metal away from her skin. They say, it's all about security and they're standing behind the agents involved.

Did the TSA act out of turn by asking Hamlin to remove her nipple rings? Is she justified in demanding an apology? Or did Hamlin pose a reasonable enough threat to warrant the treatment.

The TSA issued a statement on the incident:

"TSA is actively investigating Ms. Hamlin's allegations to ensure procedures were followed appropriately. Our security officers are well-trained to screen individuals with body piercings in sensitive areas with dignity and respect while ensuring a high level of security...."

Apparently the concern revolves around bra bombs.

But we still have questions - and so do our readers. Have you ever heard of a woman being asked to remove her underwire bra before boarding a plane? Seems like there would be as much metal in a bra as there is in a nipple ring.

Have you ever heard of anyone being asked to remove other body piercings from intimate places prior to boarding?

Weigh in with your comments and opinion. Has the TSA finally gone too far or is this just another example of security doing the best job they can to keep us all safe while flying?