North America's two largest movie theater chains, AMC and Regal Cinemas, released statements Friday afternoon updating their policies on acceptable theater attire.

AMC instituted an outright ban on face-covering masks and fake weapons. It also said that patrons wearing costumes that "make other guests feel uncomfortable" would not be permitted inside theaters.

The L.A. Times reports that Regal Cinemas, the larger of the two chains, was more vague about changes to its costume policy. A representative stated only that ticketholders "should expect stricter controls over character attire and accessories at our theaters," but declined to provide further details.

Here's the full text of the official statement from AMC, posted Friday afternoon on the company's Facebook page:

AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. We're reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons. Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests. We couldn't be more grateful for their collective support.

At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our existing policy and do as our guests wish. We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances.

[L.A. Times/AMC // Image via Getty]