WASHINGTON - The head of the Transportation Security Administration is acknowledging that the new pat-downs are more invasive than what airline travellers were used to in the past.
TSA administrator John Pistole says he has received the new pat-down, as has his boss, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Some travellers complain that the new inspections target sensitive body areas. Pistole says he understands those privacy concerns, but says the government must provide the best possible security for air travellers.
Pistole was testifying before a Senate committee about his department's policies and procedures. The hearing was scheduled before the recent outrage about airport security pat-downs.
