USA Gymnastics president and CEO Li Li Leung apologized Wednesday for an excerpt of a television interview in which she described an interaction with former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

In a clip that was posted on social media Tuesday night, Leung told the "Today" show that she was actually seen by Nassar during her own career as a gymnast, when she was 16 years old. But she said she was not abused by him in part because of the public setting of their interaction.

"The reason why I wasn't abused by him is because my coach was by my side when he saw me. I was seen by him in a public setting," Leung told the "Today" show. "So I understand what the setting needs to be like in order to ensure safety for our athletes."

That comment sparked criticism on social media, because multiple victims have said they were abused by Nassar while their parents, or other people they trusted, were in the room.

Leung later apologized on Twitter.

"I understand how my comment seems insensitive to the survivors and their families, and I apologize," she wrote. "My intent was not to diminish what they’ve been through. I should have clarified that my experience was completely different from theirs and it is wrong to suggest I could have a solution based on my experience alone.

"I cannot know all necessary steps to take until I hear their stories, and hope they will have a dialogue with us regarding athlete safety and well-being going forward."

Leung, who previously worked as the NBA's vice president for global partnerships, was hired by USA Gymnastics in February. She became the organization's fourth CEO in a 23-month span.

In the "Today" show interview, Leung said her top priority in her new role is "coming to a fair and full resolution with the survivors." She said ongoing litigation has prevented her from speaking directly with victims like Olympian Aly Raisman, but she hopes that she will be able to have such conversations soon.

"I understand that words can be empty at times," Leung told the "Today" show. "I have said before, and I'll say it again: Judge us by our actions and not our words. So I do believe that you will see that we will show that we are caring about our athletes."

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.