Oktay Saral, a chief adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has left his position following a decision by the Turkish president.

Saral confirmed his departure in a conversation with journalist Talat Atilla, according to TRHaber.

Saral said Erdoğan had appointed him to the role and had now ordered him to leave. Asked whether the decision was linked to his remarks about Azerbaijan, the adviser replied that “it looks that way.”

The development follows controversy over Saral’s criticism of school uniform rules introduced in Azerbaijan. He argued that restrictions should not be imposed on students who wear hijabs.

His comments prompted a reaction in Azerbaijan, where officials described such statements as interference in the country’s internal affairs.