A principal at a Jefferson County elementary school is under fire for comments she made to a New York Times reporter about allegations that Senate candidate Roy Moore had multiple inappropriate relationships with teenagers nearly 40 years ago.

Adamsville Elementary School principal Susan Remick's comments, painted as a lack of concern, were reported on Friday. Remick issued a statement on Saturday clarifying her remarks and saying her remarks were misconstrued.

Jefferson County school officials are standing behind Remick, defending her reputation as an educator and an advocate for children.

The New York Times article focused on comments and reactions from women in Alabama. Here are Remick's comments as reported by the New York Times:

"This all happened many years ago, correct? I honestly think we're paying too much attention to it. I'm a little disappointed in society right now. It ultimately hurts somebody's reputation. If it were true at the time, it should have been addressed at the time."

Many commenters on the media outlet's Facebook page focused on Remick's remarks because she is an elementary school principal, and some said she should be fired.

The response on Twitter was equally harsh, with some publishing Remick's phone number and email address and urging others to contact Jefferson County school officials.

I am usually not one for public draggings of people I disagree with, but #SusanRemick has minimized pedophilia, and she is a SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. @JEFCOED you need to take action. — Spratface (@Spratlinger) November 11, 2017

Remick, in her fourth year as principal at Adamsville Elementary, issued a statement on Saturday afternoon clarifying her remarks and saying, "It was not my intent to express lack of concern as was stated in the article. I have spent my career advocating for children. I am concerned each and every time any child or person is mistreated."

Here is Remick's full statement:

"What I intended to communicate in response to the reporter's question was not what was conveyed in the New York Times article. First, I wish that we lived in a society where such things did not occur. Second, I wish for the healing to begin for any individual who experiences this kind of abuse as soon as possible. As our community is changing and sexual abuse has come to the forefront, many women are now able to share their experiences and confront their abusers. For these women, it has taken great strength and courage to come forward. I wish they did not have to carry this pain inside them for so many years. It was not my intent to express lack of concern as was stated in the article. I have spent my career advocating for children. I am concerned each and every time any child or person is mistreated. My words were misconstrued; I assure everyone that my actions on behalf of children for the past 20 years show what my true intent is. I have lived my life in the service of children and will continue to do so. Any other interpretation was unintentional, and I regret having said anything that could be misinterpreted in such a manner."

According to the Adamsville Elementary School web site, Remick has been an educator for 20 years.

Prior to becoming principal, Remick was an assistant principal at Chalkville Elementary, Administrative Director at Mitchell's Place, the preschool special education director and a special education teachers for Mountain Brook City schools.

Jefferson County superintendent Dr. Craig Pouncey issued a statement, touting Remick's professional career as an educator and saying her remarks were misconstrued. Pouncey's statement reads, in part:

"We want to openly express that [Remick's] statements were misconstrued and do not reflect her, or the system's, commitment to the safety and welfare of all children. The protection of children has always been, and will continue to be, a priority of Jefferson County Schools.

Social media outlets have targeted Mrs. Remick, and the presence of anonymous accounts indicate internet trolling and harassment. Unfortunately, in today's media environment, it is easy to sensationalize issues, and we feel that Mrs. Remick has been a victim of this. Thus, we felt the need to come forward with a statement in support of her, as well as clarifying the system's views on suspected abuse. The district remains committed to serving every child in the best possible way."