Top Democrats repeatedly called for an FBI investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in recent weeks, but shortly after they got their way, they were already criticizing it.

The White House bowed to pressure from Sen. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) on Friday and ordered a limited FBI probe to last up to one week before getting a final confirmation vote, after weeks of Democratic demands for such an investigation.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D., Hawaii) had joined Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y.) in wondering what Kavanaugh had to hide by not wanting an FBI probe, but Hirono said the limited scope of the probe was a "farce" on Sunday in an interview with ABC.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) said the FBI was hamstrung by a "tight" and "arbitrary" deadline. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) fretted on Sunday about the White House "micromanaging" the process, even though she previously said you could "do a lot" in "one week" with the FBI investigating. Blumenthal earlier said the FBI was an organization of "consummate skill and integrity" that "will follow the facts."

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.) said it would be a "big mistake to put handcuffs on the FBI" in an interview on Tuesday.

For his part, possible 2020 White House contender Michael Avenatti, after also calling for an FBI investigation, said the probe as is was a "scam" and a "con job" on Sunday.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.) said, however, he was "satisfied" by the scope of the FBI probe, with the White House indicating it wanted it done quickly but giving investigators leeway to speak to whomever they see fit.

Kavanaugh has denied allegations made by Christine Blasey Ford of a sexual assault at a house party in the early 1980s, as well as Yale classmate Deborah Ramirez's accusation that he once exposed himself to her at a dorm party. Another woman, Julie Swetnick, came forward to say Kavanaugh spiked girls' drinks at high school parties and participated in gang rapes, although she has backtracked on those explosive claims.

There has been no direct corroborating evidence for any of the allegations against Kavanaugh, which threw a wrench into what had been a largely uneventful confirmation process last month.