NEW YORK — Foes and supporters of embattled Representative Anthony Weiner yelled at each other in front of the New York Democrat’s district office yesterday as congressional leaders called on Weiner to resign because of his sexting scandal.

“He’s not fit to be our congressman,’’ said Jim Scott, 61, one of about two dozen constituents who rallied in front of Weiner’s office in the Kew Gardens section of Queens. “People are sick of him, especially his attitude.’’

Weiner said Saturday that instead of resigning over the scandal, he was seeking professional treatment and asking for a leave of absence from Congress.

Scott held a sign that read: “Weiner must resign today, today! Rehab tomorrow.’’

Jane Deacy, 60, a Republican district leader, called Weiner an embarrassment. “This is a sideshow,’’ she said.

Half a dozen Weiner supporters gathered a few yards away.

James Sideris held up a sign that read: “Weiner Should Not Quit!’’ He quickly got into a shouting match with Weiner opponents.

Olivia Lurrie, 18, said Weiner was a good leader who made a mistake.

Weiner admitted last week that he has had sexually explicit communications with as many as six women via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the second-ranking House Democrat, joined the party leadership yesterday in urging Weiner to quit.

© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.