Given that backscatter x-rays will soon be banned / unapproved in Europe (which was extensively discussed on here), plus it has already been reported Manchester Airport are ditching their backscatter scanners soon, I would have assumed you would at least be allowed to opt-out of using them, as you are in the US.

Sadly, not so.

Today at T3 upon seeing the machines, I asked to opt-out, and was asked why. I stated that as they've just been banned in Europe and even the very machines ahead of me are to be scrapped soon, I'd rather not go through them any more than I already have!

The reply was a brisk "Rubbish pal. They're not being banned at all, if you want to make your flight you do have to go through them. If you have a problem take it up with the airport afterwards". No supervisor was in sight, so I just used the thing.

I am sure I could have pushed the point further and asked for a supervisor, but only had about 50 minutes until my flight to JFK, and didn't want to miss it. A few years back at MAN I ended up in hot water after arguing with a staff member over use of the fast-track line (with an EK F boarding card), which resulted in a supervisor being called and informed I was attempting to 'breach security'. Was resolved in the end with a long apology by some very apologetic staff, but took a good 30 minutes, and knowing how aggressive the staff at this particular airport can get when challenged, not missing my flight was obviously the priority.

Now I was sure you should be able to opt-out of using these - you certainly were when Manchester first introduced them due to nakedness / privacy concerns, so surely now they've basically been banned, and are on the way out, that's surely a far more valid reason to allow people to opt-out?