LONDON — The English Football Association apologized for a tweet it subsequently deleted about its Women’s World Cup team which prompted criticism across social media on Monday.

After England returned from its third-place finish in Canada, the FA wrote on Twitter on Monday: "Our Lionesses go back to being mothers, partners and daughters today, but they have taken on another title — heroes."

It linked to a story which was later amended to only say that England "returned home as heroes." The FA said the story was attempting to reflect the personal stories of players.

"Sorry if I caused offence," FA content editor James Callow tweeted. "The piece is intended to sum up a nice moment when players are reunited with their families.

"I reject any accusation of sexism and human interest is a big part of any sport reporting. I’d have done the same for England men, absolutely."