Sen. Barack Obama has personally apologized to two Muslim women who were kept from sitting behind the podium during his rally in Detroit this week because they wore head scarves.

Hebba Aref and Shimaa Abdelfadeel said in a joint e-mail statement Thursday that they are grateful and ready to move forward after each receiving calls from the senator.

In his own statement, Obama said he expressed his deepest apologies to the women Thursday.

"The actions of these volunteers were unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign," he said. "I take deepest offense to and will continue to fight against discrimination against people of any religious group or background." [Link]