The French education minister has said that nearly 300 pupils arrived at school on Monday wearing the abaya, the long Muslim robe which was banned in schools last week.
Most of the girls agreed to change into other clothes.
According to official figures, 298 girls - mainly aged 15 or more - turned up at school in the banned garment.
Under instructions laid down by the ministry, there followed in each case a period of dialogue with school staff.
Most girls then agreed to dress differently and were able to start classes.
However, 67 girls refused to comply and were sent home.
A further period of dialogue with their families will now ensue. If that fails, they will be excluded.
Set against the 12 million school boys and girls who started term on Monday, the government believes the figures show that its ban has been broadly accepted.
However, a legal challenge by a group representing some Muslims goes before the courts later today.
At the end of August, the education minister announced that pupils would be banned from wearing the loose-fitting full-length robes worn by some Muslim women in France's state-run schools at the start of the new school year on 4 September.
France has a strict ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings, arguing that they violate secular laws.
Wearing a headscarf has been banned since 2004 in state-run schools.
The move comes after months of debate over the wearing of abayas in French schools.
The garment is being increasingly worn in schools, leading to a political divide over them, with right-wing parties pushing for a ban while those on the left have voiced concerns for the rights of Muslim women and girls.
In 2010, France banned the wearing of full-face veils in public, provoking anger in France's five million-strong Muslim community.
France has enforced a strict ban on religious signs at schools since the 19th Century, including Christian symbols such as large crosses, in an effort to curb any Catholic influence on public education.
Reflecting its changing population, it has updated the law over the years to include the Muslim headscarf and Jewish kippa, but abayas have not been banned outright until now.
Latest Stories
-
Israel announces military pause on Gaza road to let in aid
6 mins -
‘We have economic challenges, power outages but not consumed’ – Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie
30 mins -
‘I won’t retract the truth; sue me now’ – Ablakwa dares Freddie Blay
54 mins -
We’ve goofed a little – NPP MP on detained medical supplies at the port
1 hour -
One trapped as structure collapses at Tema Community 22 Starlight Market
1 hour -
Freddie Blay demands apology from Ablakwa, others for state capture claims, threatens lawsuit
1 hour -
Crispen celebrates African youth resilience with ‘Mafaro’
1 hour -
B3du’s ‘Holy Water’: A Harmonious blend of love and joy
2 hours -
Zoomlion Foundation and partners launch ‘Keep Your Mind on the Road’ campaign
9 hours -
Mahama commends Hudu Mogtari for supporting NDC’s 2024 campaign
11 hours -
Italy begin European Championship title defence with 2-1 win over Albania
11 hours -
Kwadwo Duah scores in Switzerland Euro 2024 win over Hungary
11 hours -
Spain make light of Croatia in Euro 2024 opener
11 hours -
Former Legon Cities goalkeeper William Essu dies at 22
11 hours -
Hypertension shatters family: Father left to struggle alone
13 hours