Washington (CNN) GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday criticized Nike's decision to cancel a sneaker that featured the "Betsy Ross" version of the American flag amidst backlash over the company's use of the late 18th century design.

"I read today that instead of celebrating the birth of our nation, a shoe company has deemed the flag, which flew during our Independence, too offensive ... too offensive to put on a pair of shoes," McConnell said at an event in Kentucky.

Nike spokesperson told CNN that the company decided to halt distribution of the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July shoe "based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday."

"We regularly make business decisions to withdraw initiatives, products and services," Nike told CNN in a statement.

McConnell said Tuesday that "If we're in a political environment where the American Flag has become controversial to Americans, I think we've got a problem."

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