An Indian fashion designer has publicly apologised for saying women who cannot tie saris should be ashamed of themselves, after his comments were labelled sexist and demeaning.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee said: “I am sorry that I used the word 'shame' in reference to some women's inability to wear a sari. I truly regret that the way in which I tried to make a point about the sari enabled it to be interpreted as misogynistic, patriarchal, and non-inclusive - this was certainly not my intention.”

Last week at conference on India at Harvard University in the USA, Mr Mukherjee had responded to a question about modern Indian trends, saying: "I think, if you tell me that you do not know how to wear a sari, I would say shame on you. It's a part of your culture, you need to buck up and stand up for it.”

The designer is famous for using traditional Indian looks in his creations, often reviving old styles of handlooms, weaves and cuts. He counts several Bollywood actresses and other public figures among his clients.

"A woman had asked me to comment on the cultural taboo of young women wearing saris because, as she said, society tells them that it 'makes them look older'," he said.