(Reuters) - Gymnastics New Zealand (GNZ) has revamped its attire rules to allow women and girls to wear shorts or leggings over their leotards, and will stop penalizing athletes for visible underwear and bra straps during competitions in New Zealand.

The governing body said the changes were made after a survey of competitive gymnasts, which garnered over 200 responses, found the athletes wanted to "feel comfortable and safe" in the sport.