Prior to terror attacks in October that galvanised the 'anti-separatism' drive, Macron had promised a tough new campaign against "Islamism" which had drew international condemnation.
Protests against Macron's perceived Islamophobia erupted have across the Muslim world, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mali, Mauritania, Lebanon and Yemen.
World leaders have also weighed in on the matter, with Macron and Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan trading barbs and insults.