A French student union leader who has been accused by ministers of using her headscarf for political gain has hit back, calling the claims “pathetic”.

France’s interior minister has personally criticised Maryam Pougetoux, who is Muslim, for being interviewed while wearing her headscarf.

“It’s my faith,” the student told Buzzfeed News, adding: “[My hijab] has no political function.”

Ms Pougetoux, 19,