A pastor in Arizona has sparked debate online after expressing outrage over what he described as “crack-sucking leggings” and a sports bra worn by a waitress serving his family on a day trip.

Dale Partridge, who leads King’s Way Reformed Church in Prescott, claimed her outfit was “the kind of outfit our grandmothers would see as lingerie” and later said online: “Make sin shameful again. Remember, shame pushes people to see their need for forgiveness, in Christ.”

Partridge shared his concerns with the café owner and then continued posting, arguing that “just because it has the word ‘sports’ in front of it doesn’t change what it is.

"It’s still a bra, and should be worn under your clothes.”

His comments triggered backlash from social media users accusing him of policing women’s clothing, while others supported his call for modesty.

The pastor and his wife have both previously spoken about modest dress and the pressures placed on young women in public culture.