Selena Gomez continues to be a target of controversy after performing in a Bindi during several recent appearances.

The Bindi, a traditional forehead decoration worn primarily in Southern Asia, holds considerable symbolic significance for Hindu cultures.  Religious leaders and advocates were quick to criticize her styling, calling for an apology from the 21-year-old pop star.

“…It is an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol,” Hindu Statesman Raja Zed told WENN.  “It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed.”

“Selena should apologize and then she should get acquainted with the basics of world religions,” he continued.

Similar admonishments continued to roll in on Twitter as well.  “Selena Gomez, take that bindi of your head, cultural appropriation is not cute,” read one Tweet.

Gomez seemed undeterred by the critics.  After her first controversial appearance at the MTV Movie Awards on April 14, she reappeared wearing a Bindi the very next day– performing “Come & Get It” on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Dancing With the Stars.  Gomez also performed classic Indian dancing in her interpretations of the song, which features Punjabi vocals.

Others have come to the artist’s defense, hailing it as a respectful nod to Indian and Asian culture.  The Bindi is normally worn as a bright jewel or spot of color on the forehead, and is said to embody the “third eye” among other spiritual representations.

A former Disney Channel star, Gomez has already raised eyebrows this year among those who see her as having traded in her youthful image for an edgier appeal.  “Come & Get It” was released as a single off Gomez’s debut studio album, Stars Dance.  The song peaked at number six on the U.S. charts, becoming the artist’s first song to break the top ten.