The International Committee of Museums - or ICOM - has been forced to apologise for saying "historic garments should not be worn by anybody, public or private figures."

It was called out by renowned Maori curator and Te Papa executive member, Puawai Cairns, who called the statements "Eurocentric".

On Twitter, the ICOM Costume Committee said its statement overlooked the importance of Indigenous communities being able to connect with and wear museum objects from their community.

Puawai Cairns spoke to Māni Dunlop.