DUP MP Sammy Wilson yesterday reiterated his opposition to making the wearing of face coverings compulsory in shops - saying the move could "devastate" the high street.
The East Antrim representative also questioned conflicting evidence and argued there was no significant proof face masks prevent the spread of Covid-19.
There was criticism last week from within his own party when Mr Wilson posted a social media photo of himself with an ice-cream encouraging people to shop locally and not be "muzzled" by a covering.
Speaking to BBC's Talkback programme yesterday, he insisted his comments did not "send out the wrong message" despite First Minister and party leader Arlene Foster encouraging people to adopt the measure in shops.
"I believe first of all the medical and scientific evidence of this is contested...and it will have serious economic implications, already shops are struggling," he said.
"We're going to find more people shopping online, with the high street being devastated and jobs being lost."
England and Scotland have already introduced new rules making face coverings compulsory for shoppers.
Health minister Robin Swann has called for a decision on the policy to be brought forward a week to August 13 and wrote to his Executive colleagues last weekend expressing concerns about "mixed messaging".
Retail representatives yesterday backed his call, saying it was needed to protect workers.
