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WATCH: Jian Ghomeshi leaves a Toronto courthouse on Wednesday through a sea of media

TORONTO – Flare magazine apologized Friday for an online article which dissected disgraced former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi’s choice of clothing for his court appearance on sexual assault charges.

Ghomeshi was met by a crush of reporters outside a Toronto courthouse Wednesday after posting bail on four charges of sexual assault and one charge of choking.

“His sombre exit appearance before the throng of cameras and reporters—black suit, crisp white shirt and subtly patterned dark tie—was in stark contrast to his signature behind-the-scenes rock-guy style,” reads a portion of the article. “Absent were the leather jackets, chunky accessories and designer denim. Ghomeshi’s ubiquitous five o’clock shadow was turfed in favour of a close shave, and his adolescent mop top looked like it had been trimmed.”

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The article focuses on his “corporate look” and debates whether or not the former Q host was wearing a tie in court.

“He’s more casual and he’s trying to enhance his likability factor by being friendlier. When you’re not wearing a tie you’re more open, you’re not as protected,” Diane Craig, a Toronto-based image consultant, is quoted as saying.

The magazine issued an apology on Twitter Friday afternoon, but defended the article.

“We apologize if we offended readers with the Jian Ghomeshi story. The article was not about fashion, but how appearance affects impression”

However, Flare got sharp criticism on social media for the post.

@FLAREfashion women are finally making some progress and you just set the conversation back 100years. #StupidestTweet — SS (@MsFishEyes) November 28, 2014

@FLAREfashion seriously??!! I know flare is about fashion but this is too much. Bad bad bad. — Montrealgirl (@violetfish) November 27, 2014

.@FLAREfashion College park prison docks ≠ fashion week. — Rosalind Robertson (@RosalindR) November 28, 2014

.@FLAREfashion A sexual assault case is not fodder for fashion gossip. — Jazmyn Y3 Monroe (@Krys_T_) November 28, 2014

@FLAREfashion disappointed by this – you're not adding anything useful to the convo & trivializing it, also feeding the media circus. — Anitabot (@anitabot) November 28, 2014

@FLAREfashion you seriously haven't deleted this yet? why is this still on the Internet? — Melissa Bies (@missmelbies) November 28, 2014

@flarefashion For the record, this post is disgusting, offensive, and hurtful to people I care about. cc. @cp_williamson, @MaureenHalushak — Nick W (@tapesonthefloor) November 28, 2014

Related News Jian Ghomeshi charged with 4 counts of sexual assault, will plead not guilty