Speaking at the same hearing, Australian Labor Party senator Penny Wong described the search as an "invasive procedure."

Although the exact details of the incident have not been released, CNN affiliate Seven News previously reported that women were "forced to undergo an inspection in an ambulance on the tarmac."

In a statement Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the incident was "appalling" and "unacceptable."

"As a father of daughters, I could only shudder at the thought that any woman, Australian or otherwise, would be subjected to that," said Morrison.

"It is important that wherever travelers are traveling, that they are able to do so free of those types of incidents."

The Qatari government said in a statement Wednesday that the search was triggered by the discovery of a newborn baby found wrapped in a plastic bag and abandoned in a trash can at Hamad International Airport.

"The baby girl was rescued from what appeared to be a shocking and appalling attempt to kill her.