The project was the brainchild of an Italian priest but he has now had to put the project on hold, saying he was "misinterpreted" and had no intention of putting the holy sisters on a catwalk.

"My superiors were not happy. The local bishop was not happy, but they did not understand me either," Fr Antonio Rungi has told the media. "It was not at all my intention to put nuns on the catwalk."

The idea grabbed worldwide attention after he wrote of a contest for nuns in his blog. "It was interpreted as more of a physical thing. Now, no-one is saying nuns can't be beautiful, but I was thinking about something more complete," he said.

He explained that his idea was a contest involving spirituality, social awareness, charity and other qualities which portrayed the "interior beauty" of a nun and her work.

"We have to draw more attention to the world of nuns, who are often not sufficiently appreciated by society," he is quoted as saying.

The priest said he received many calls of support but also many emails from people attacking him for wanting to create a "Miss Italy-style event".