Story highlights "Yes, I think there are some different standards. Some of them are subconscious," Bill Clinton said

Sanders earlier this week caused a firestorm when he said Clinton isn't "qualified" to be commander in chief

Washington (CNN) Former President Bill Clinton on Friday suggested there were "different standards" regarding gender in the ongoing debate between his wife, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders over who is more qualified to be president.

Sanders earlier this week caused a firestorm when he said Clinton isn't "qualified" to be commander in chief, citing her support from Wall Street donors and her 2002 vote as a New York senator for the Iraq war.

Asked by a reporter in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday if "gender was a factor" in Sanders' comments, Bill Clinton began by praising his wife, saying she's the best candidate for president.

"I think it's obvious by a country mile and that's all that matters to me," Clinton said.

But, he continued: "Yes, I think there are some different standards. Some of them are subconscious."

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