Daniel Jones, 23, who created the International Church of Jediism, claims he was "victimized over his beliefs" by staff at the Tesco supermarket in Bangor, North Wales.

The religion, inspired by the "Star Wars" films, is practiced by 500,000 around the world and requires believers to cover their heads in public places. But Jones said that security kicked him out of the store simply because he refused to remove his hood.

Jones, also known by his Jedi name Morda Hehol, told The Telegraph: "I told them it was a requirement of my religion but they just sniggered and ordered me to leave. I walked past a Muslim lady in a veil. Surely the same rules should apply to everyone."

He added: "It was discrimination. I was really upset. Nobody should be treated like that. I'll advise worshipers to boycott Tesco if it happens again. They will feel the Force."

A Tesco spokesman said: "Jedi are very welcome to shop in our stores although we would ask them to remove their hoods."