WASHINGTON (AP) _ Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed outside the Pentagon after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments he made about Islam.

Graham arrived in the Pentagon parking lot early Thursday morning — his party of a half dozen people forming a circle on the sidewalk and praying with heads bowed for about five minutes.

He said they asked God to protect American troops and give them victory over their enemies.

Graham later said he doesn’t try to offend Muslims, but he deplores Islam’s treatment of women and believes that only Jesus — and not Muhammad — can lead people to God.

While the Pentagon withdrew its invitation, Franklin Graham got a standing ovation on Capitol Hill, where he spoke to hundreds of people at a National Day of Prayer observance.