Is it true that Imam Malik said the niqab is an innovation (bid'ah)?

No specific statement has been authentically attributed to Imam Malik regarding covering the face. However, what is well-known in his madhhab is the dislike (karahah) of wearing a niqab during prayer for both men and women, because it prevents placing the nose on the ground during prostration, though repeating the prayer is not obligatory. It is legislated for a woman to cover her allurements outside of prayer if there is a fear of tempting men. Other jurists have also disliked covering the mouth and nose during prayer.