President Obama made his first public comments today on Pvt. Bradley Manning, the accused WikiLeaks leaker whose treatment in detention is drawing criticism from civilian libertarians.

"I have actually asked the Pentagon whether or not the procedures that have been taken in terms of his confinement are appropriate and are meeting our basic standards," Obama said at today's news conference. "They assured me that they are."

"I can't go into details about some of their concerns, but some of this has to do with Pvt. Manning's safety as well."

Manning, who is accused of providing classified Pentagon documents to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, is being held under tight restrictions.

The president spoke amid reports that State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told an academic event in Boston that Manning's treatment is "ridiculous and counterproductive and stupid." (Crowley also reportedly said, "Nonetheless, Bradley Manning is in the right place," and "there is sometimes a need for secrets ... for diplomatic progress to be made.")

A State Department official told CBS News that Crowley's comments reflected his personal opinion and do not reflect the official policy of the U.S. government.

Manning's supporters say he had been held in isolation since July and has been made to sleep naked.

"There is no justification for Bradley's inhumane treatment," said David House, a spokesperson with the Bradley Manning Advocacy Fund. "I agree with Mr. Crowley that it's just stupid and unproductive."