Michael Bublé responds to backlash over 'hungry shorts' Instagram photo

Canadian crooner Michael Bublé has responded to the controversy he sparked when he posted a photo of a young woman's backside on Instagram earlier this week.

• Michael Bublé sparks social media firestorm with 'body shaming' Instagram photo

Critics took to social media in droves to express their disappointment over the snapshot that shows Bublé standing in front of a woman in revealing shorts.

While some fans thought the post was disrespectful to women, the 39-year-old British Columbia-born singer said he meant it to be "complimentary and lighthearted."

"It hurts me deeply that anyone would think that I would disrespect women or be insulting to any human being," said Bublé in a statement posted on his Instagram account Friday.

"I regret that there are people out there who found the photo offensive," the statement continued. 

"That was not and is not my intention. Women are to be celebrated, loved, respected, honoured and revered," he said.

Bublé, who is married to Argentine actress/model Luisana Lopilato, posted the public snapshot on his Instagram account Monday with the caption "There was something about this photo lu took, that seemed worthy of instagram." ​But many of his fans disagreed.

Some took exception to the tone of the post, which included the hashtags #babygotback and #hungryshorts.

Others argued it was improper for a high-profile celebrity to comment on a woman's body in such a public forum.

"Her shorts are a bit too short but how does that make it right for you to put her, unknowingly, in front of millions," asked one critic.

"This is down right disgusting of you," added another. "What if she is under aged huh?" 

"That's not very nice," wrote a different fan. "I would expect more from you and your wife ... Hate the thought of creepy couples taking sneaky photos of my daughter or niece and posting them on the internet." 

Despite the controversy, Bublé chose to leave the questionable photo on his account. As of Friday afternoon, he had not taken the photo down.

The firestorm came just days after U.S. singer Pink stood up to fat-shaming in a positive, self-affirming post Sunday. 

• 'I feel beautiful,' says Pink, shutting down critics 'concerned' about her weight

The 35-year-old shut down critics who seemed "concerned" about her weight that she's "perfectly fine" and "perfectly happy" with the way she looks.​