Tim Cook, Apple CEO have been invited by The House Energy and Commerce Committee (HECC) to appear before a subcommittee. The invitation has been made to testify his company's approach on refusing to help the law enforcers with unlocking iPhone encryption technology. The committee has also summoned James Comey, the FBI Director.

Apple has defied a court order this week to help FBI unlocking an iPhone used by San Bernardino terrorists killing 14 people last year. Both the invited will be asked to explain to Congress and American people the ongoing event and to way out for moving forward. The hearing will focus on issues related to privacy and national security, reports CNN Money citing the committee's letter as the source.

Both the requests are not legally binding and are made by committee chairman Fred Upton, subcommittee chairman Tim Murphy and other ranking members. However, Apple's refusal to comply with the court order has been defended by Tim Cook saying his company plans to challenge the judge's ruling, reports Re/Code.

The Justice Department has filed a motion in federal court backing up the FBI on Friday. The motion aims to seek court order to compel Apple unlocking the iPhone and the court responded accordingly. The department accuses Apple for defying court order 'out of concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy'.

Twitter CEO has extended his support for Cook on Thursday while joining Amnesty International in applauding his stance. Meanwhile critics of Cook including Conservative pundit Ann Coulter refers Apple move as propaganda stance only. Customers have visited the Apple store in downtown San Francisco on Thursday and seemed unfazed by the controversy.

The committee has asked Cook and Comey to reply by February 24 while mentioning no set date for hearing. Apple spokesperson hasn't been available for comment on Cook's plan on Committee's invitation.

A Los Angeles court has ordered Apple to extend reasonable technical support for unlocking an iPhone allegedly used by a shooter of San Bernardino mass killing. Citing reasons for maintaining iPhone privacy, Apple CEO Tim Cook has vowed to challenge the court order. Meanwhile, HECC has invited Cook to discuss for finding a way to get Apple assistance in investigation on San Bernardino mass killing.