The Chief of the Defence Force has apologised after an officer claimed he was assaulted by two Middle Eastern men in Sydney, then withdrew the allegation.

The 41-year-old sailor had claimed he was left with bruising after being attacked by two men of Middle Eastern appearance near his home at Bella Vista, in Sydney's north-west.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) chief Mark Binskin said the ADF would investigate the officer's conduct.

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"There was a sailor who alleged he was assaulted yesterday morning," Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

"I have been in contact with [NSW Police Commissioner] Andrew Scipione throughout the evening and just spoken to him before I came down here now and that sailor has withdrawn those allegations.

"What I would like to say, because this is breaking news, on behalf of the Australian Defence Force I would like to apologise to the Australian community and particularly the Middle Eastern community for any angst that this has caused."

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said he would not be drawn on speculation about why the complaint was made, and that the ADF would co-operate with officers conducting the local investigation.

The claim, made on Thursday, came amid concerns about the safety of military personnel and police officers two days after an attack in Melbourne in which two police officers were injured and their attacker was shot dead.

It also followed calls for "restraint and civility" from religious leaders concerned about heightened community tensions after last week's counter-terrorism operation involving raids on homes in Sydney and Brisbane.

ADF members have been advised to "exercise commonsense and judgment when considering where and when to wear uniform in public".

NSW Police said it would "continue to examine the circumstances that led to the allegation being brought to their attention".

ADF chief won't play into 'media hype'

Air Chief Marshal Binskin hit out at the reporting of the withdrawal of the assault allegation, and said he refused to play into "media hype" surrounding the news.

"I'm not putting up with any hype on this," Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

"I think the media have hyped it up more than they need to."