Professor Mary Beard was forced to strip "down to my scrappy undies" while going through security at Heathrow.
The 64-year-old broadcaster and classicist said she was seen by fellow passengers in only a "little black vest (and) no bra" after she was asked to remove her clothing.
Prof Beard wrote on Twitter that she was "a bit surprised' when security staff insisted she remove her "tunic" thinking it was a jacket.
She wrote: "I know rules are rules (and we all depend on airport security) but was a bit surprised to be told to take off what I think is a 'tunic' (they thought was a 'jacket') at Heathrow security this morning, down to my scrappy undies.
"Much to curiosity/embarrassment of other passengers!"
Heathrow Airport later apologised to the scholar, saying: "We are very sorry to hear this and apologise for the experience you have had."
The airport requested more details so "that we can look into the matter".
Prof Beard responded that she did not want staff to get into trouble but some "general consciousness- raising" would be good.
She replied: "I am tough, and I have no desire to see the staff concerned told off (so I am carefully not telling you which terminal).
"But maybe some general consciousness-raising on this one would be a jolly good idea!
The classicist told a follower: "My little black vest, no bra, not a good look!"
And she added: "To be honest, I'm not very easily humiliated, but it was a surprise! Staff polite but insistent (following instructions, I guess, don't want to get them into trouble)."
A spokesman for Heathrow said: "Our colleagues work incredibly hard to keep Britain's skies safe and any passenger is able to be searched in private. We apologise that this did not happen in this instance."
