St. Francis Xavier University’s crackdown on a retailer selling rings that resemble the iconic X-rings worn by alumni has been successful.

Forever 21, the retailer selling the rings, has agreed to pull them from Canadian stores and online after a torrent of online backlash from former students.

"We were pleased to receive a response that Forever 21 will remove all the rings in question for sale in its Canadian stores, including online. We would like to thank Forever 21 for their prompt cooperation," said Cindy MacKenzie, manager of communications and marketing for St. FX.

The rings from retailer Forever 21 come in a two-pack. Both rings are gold-coloured, one has an "O" printed in black on the front and the other has an "X" printed in black.

The iconic St. FX X-rings are worn by alumni and according to the university’s website, "is said to be, after Super Bowl and Papal rings, the third most recognized ring in the world. It’s a permanent reminder of the St. FX experience and its lasting solidarity. As St .FX president Dr. Sean Riley says every year in his convocation address, ‘If you fall, a fellow Xaverian is there to pick you up.’"

Forever 21 does not have a retail store in Nova Scotia but one is set to open this fall at Dartmouth’s Mic Mac Mall.