Daas Yochid, that is in front of the idol. Bowing is an Avoda to it. Besides, as you probably know, Ahava v’Yirah is actually not considered real transgression of Avoda Zara. Only when it is actually accepted. If the person bows in front of the idol but has in mind that he is bowing to Hashem (sort of how Yaakov Avinu bowed in front of Esav — no Issur anyhow) he did not actually transgress Avoda Zara and it isn’t punishable.
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