Since its introduction as an Olympic sport in 1996, beach volleyball has been the target of some criticism from conservative groups as well as from the governments of certain countries, particularly Islamic nations of the Middle East and South-East Asia, who argue that beach volleyball as it is currently played in the Olympics is too sexualised to be considered a truly respectable sport. They claim that professional beach volleyball is one of the few sports with size restrictions on uniforms. The controversy of the sport hit a new high at the 2004 Olympics, when a DJ played music clips between sets while female dancers in orange bikinis performed for the crowds. Accusations arose that the sport was less respectful than other Olympic events, with some columnists comparing it to a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue spread rather than pure athleticism.