An assistant principal at Clements High School in Fort Bend County, Texas, has become embroiled in controversy for telling female students their attire was distracting their male counterparts from their studies.

During the school's assembly last week, it is reported that Phil Morgante told female students not to wear tight clothing or crop tops.

“Ladies, I know you’ve been working on your abs since the Olympics, right? But your shirts can’t be up here. It’s gotta cover the whole gut. Ladies, I blame you all for boys’ low grades because of tight clothing,” said Morgante.

The comments appear to have been made in jest but have sparked outrage in the states. 

The school have responded to the controversy by releasing the following statement: "During assemblies last week, when speaking about the dress code, a Clements High School administrator made comments that were inappropriate and offensive to students"

These comments should not have been made, and do not represent the beliefs of Fort Bend ISD or the Clements administrative team or faculty. The comments were a failed attempt at humor and inappropriate.

Following concerns expressed by students, the Clements principal took prompt action to address the comments and apologized to the student body.

We have high expectations for both students and staff at Clements High School and throughout Fort Bend ISD. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive learning environment where all students feel supported and valued.

Please know this situation is being addressed, and appropriate actions will be taken," it read.