By Bryon Okada
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Transportation Security Administration will alter its airport checkpoint patdown procedures beginning Monday, no longer requiring travelers to stand arms out, scarecrowlike, during body searches.

Passengers will still be subject to searches for explosives hidden around their genitals, buttocks and -- for women -- breasts. But as soon as torso checks are finished, passengers will be able to lower their arms for the rest of the search.

TSA officials said they hope the change will help travelers feel less vulnerable, make the patdowns appear less policelike and halt a growing public outcry over a security procedure that many find humiliating.

TSA revises traveler patdowns continued