In the line, "The fur industry has hit back at animal rights campaigners, stating that real fur is much more environmentally friendly than fake fur." The phrase "hit back" means:

Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.

Fur: Real, fake, or nothing?

Since man first put on clothes people have worn fur, first and foremost because it's very warm. Over the centuries, fur became exclusive and by the sixteenth century it was seen as a luxury textile. At that time, it was worn on the inside as a lining for coats, with only a little trim visible. In the early twentieth century, wearing fur on the outside of coats became fashionable. But more visibility meant more controversy and negative opinion. These days nothing in fashion divides opinions more strongly than fur.

The fur industry has hit back at animal rights campaigners, stating that real fur is much more environmentally friendly than fake fur. It believes that manufacturing fake fur involves dangerous chemicals that damage the environment, and that real fur is natural and biodegradable. It has also stated that younger women, inspired by celebrities, have begun to wear real fur again. Most major fashion houses support this renewal in fur by featuring it in a few pieces each autumn / winter collection.

It is impossible to predict whether the trend of using fur in fashion will continue. Some say fake fur will overtake the real version. Others say fur is here to stay. What is certain is that wearing fur will always be a decision that divides people.