A Sikh man who owns four Subway sandwich shops says he was told he couldn't wear his turban in his own stores.

Hardip Singh Brah, who filed a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, says a representative from the Subway chain visited one of his outlets and told him the traditional head gear wasn't part of the official Subway uniform.

"He said I cannot wear a diaper on my head," Brah, 56, told a news conference on Thursday. "I've lost a lot of respect and my health. And I was shocked myself."

Franchise owner says chain forbids turbans

The Subway representative said the uniform for an employee working behind the counter consists of a black hat or visor.

Brah said investigators for the human rights commission upheld his complaint.

Marie Riddle, the director of the Alberta Human Rights Commission, said the Commission doesn't comment on cases unless they are before the public panel. She said Brah's case is not at that stage.

Investigators' reports are used by the public panel commissioners in their deliberations, should a case get that far. Riddle says cases are often settled before they reach that point.

The incident took place three years ago, when Brah owned nine Subway outlets and was looking to buy more. He has since sold five of his stores.