A storm of protest greeted the Daily Express revelation two weeks ago that BBC chiefs had debated banning the news reader's discreet cross necklace.

But the Head of TV News, Peter Horrocks, has decided that religious ornaments are acceptable – as long as they remain discreet.

"A large shiny cross would be too distracting," he wrote on the BBC News website.

Since news of the Fiona Bruce debate broke, the issue of religious attire has rarely been out of the headlines. Thousands of Daily Express readers expressed their outrage over the BBC discussion.

After the initial story, Mr Horrocks also canvassed viewers' opinions through the BBC website. The vast majority were in favour of religious emblems being allowed if they were part of a presenter's cultural identity.

Writing yesterday, he said he had reached the same conclusion.

"I deliberately asked you, the audience, for your views," Mr Horrocks wrote.

"Some respondents thought any symbols had the potential to distract and could compromise impartiality.

"But the majority of people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds believed if a presenter is wearing religious clothing as part of their identity, then it is absolutely fine for them to continue to do so.

"I agree with this latter view, although on an individual basis we do need to consider whether symbols distract and get in the way of their primary job of communicating the news.

"A full veil, for instance, would hinder communication with the audience; a large shiny cross would be too distracting."

The issue of religious insignia in the workplace has triggered numerous headlines – although the cross that 42-year-old Ms Bruce wears is decorative, rather than a religious symbol.

The BBC had not banned the cross, although Ms Bruce has conspicuously stopped wearing it on screen since the fuss started.

Mr Horrocks' statement suggests that the organisation has moved away from any discussion of banning all religious attire such as hijabs, scarves, skull caps or turbans – the subject of the original BBC debate.

On the website, respondents were largely in favour of Ms Bruce being allowed her cross.

One viewer wrote: "As a member of the 72 per cent minority in the UK which describes itself as Christian, I am very glad to be affirmed in my minority status by the sight of a newsreader wearing a cross."

BBC policy dictates that news presenters should not wear any political symbols. But in the lead- up to Remembrance Sunday, they will be allowed to wear red poppies as usual.