Story highlights Italian museum's nude sculptures were reportedly covered up during Hassan Rouhani's visit

The decision angers many Italians, who express their views on social media

(CNN) An imposing equestrian statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius dominated the room where Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met on Monday.

But Rouhani could not admire some of the other masterpieces at Rome's world-famous Capitoline Museums , which hosted the meeting.

The museum's naked statues, including a centuries-old Venus, had been covered up in white panels -- a decision that provoked some strong criticism in the country.

Italian media reported that the statues had been covered to show respect to the Iranian culture and sensitivity.

Plywood panels cover naked statues inside the Campidoglio, Capitol Hill, during a meeting between Italian Premier Matteo Renzi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Rome.

A spokesperson for the city of Rome, which manages the museum, said that plans for the meeting had been made by the Office of the Prime Minister. The Italian government has not commented on the matter.