Writer and activist Gloria Steinem
Writer and activist Gloria Steinem speaks about a documentary on her life. She wasn't such a hit with Lands' End customers Reuters

American clothing retailer Lands' End has pulled a profile of legendary feminist Gloria Steinem from its catalogue after anti-abortion customers accused the company of being "anti child".

Steinem had been featured as part of the company's "legend series" in its catalogue and on its website honouring people who have made a difference.

"We understand that some of our customers were offended by the inclusion of an interview in a recent catalogue with Gloria Steinem on her quest for women's equality," the company said in a statement. "We thought it was a good idea and we heard from our customers that, for different reasons, it wasn't. For that, we sincerely apologise.

"Our goal was to feature individuals with different interests and backgrounds that have made a difference for our new Legends Series, not to take any political or religious stance."

Steinem had been featured in the company's spring catalogue. A corresponding Lands' End initiative also made it possible for customers to support the Fund for Women's Equality, of which Steinem is a board member, People magazine reported.

The profile on her never mentioned abortion, but critics pounced on Steinen's support for abortion rights.

"Those of us who love family, love children, are completely puzzled why you would promote a very vocal pro-abortion celebrity," customer Maureen Donnelly commented on Facebook. "If you want to promote and subsidize abortion, which is responsible for the deaths of over one million babies in America each year, we will be returning all Lands' End clothing."

Several religious schools said they'll longer order their uniforms from the catalogue, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

There was no immediate response from Steinem.

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