Hundreds of passengers had to cool their heels for hours Friday after the Delta Air Lines terminal at LaGuardia Airport was evacuated because a passenger didn't stop to have his shoes checked by security.

Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Ann Davis said the man, in his 50s, passed through the metal detector with no problem around 2:50 p.m. But security agents wanted to check his shoes for contraband and explosives residue.

"His shoes fit the profile," said Davis, who would not elaborate on what triggered the suspicion.

Apparently, the man was unaware he was supposed to have his shoes checked and disappeared in the crowd, Davis said.

The terminal was partially evacuated about 3:30, Davis said. It was reopened at 4:15 and normal operations were resumed around 5:05 p.m., she said.

Port Authority Police Officer Lawrence Rand said between 2,500 and 3,000 people had to be rescreened.

Delta Air Lines spokeswoman Gina Laughlin said customers were delayed up to two hours.

Sarah Garland and staff writer Ridgely Ochs contributed to this story.

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