AI-generated composite photos depicting Italy's 70-something foreign minister wearing various styles of skirts are heating up social media.

According to Euronews and other outlets on September 30 (local time), composite photos showing Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, 73, in skirts have been spreading across social media recently.

The origin of the controversy was his remark regarding a "woman wearing a skirt."

Speaking at an event near Rome on the 18th, he explained to voters why they should choose established conservative parties rather than a newly formed far-right party by comparing it to choosing which kind of woman to marry.

Minister Tajani said, "It might be comparing a (flashy woman) to a serious woman who wears a skirt slightly longer than other women," adding, "I always advise choosing the reliable side, and the center-right is reliable."

Although the remark was intended to convey that it is better to marry a reliable woman, it poured out a wave of mockery and criticism, with people pointing out that it "has nothing to do with a woman's skirt length."

The Italian Catholic Church also joined the ranks of critics.

Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi of the Italian Episcopal Conference pointed out, "Every word and gaze directed at women must be filled with respect and reverence."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed concern over the growing controversy, stating, "The remark came out poorly."

As the controversy escalated, Minister Tajani apologized, saying, "I had no intention whatsoever of offending women."

(Photo: Captured from social media, Yonhap News)