Hide issue_template folder from repo

My repo in GitHub shows .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE folder. Can I hide it somehow?

I have added issue templates in my GitHub repo. Iwant to hide issue template files from the public while retaining my custom issue templates and keep the functionality to work.

I have tried using the .gitignore file, but this is road to nowhere. It removes the folder from GitHub repo, which does not allows the issue templates to be functional.

No, you have to place .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE to let them work (ref).

Although you can format the crated issue using GitHub Action workflow that is triggered by "issue opened" event, but I think it won't fulfill your needs if you are expecting "issue template" function.