Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd is moving ahead with plans to name an anti-discrimination act after Apple CEO Tim Cook.

And now, she's got the blessings of the tech giant itself.

Todd, D-Birmingham, had earlier announced plans to name a bill prohibiting discrimination against state workers based on sexual orientation for Cook. Cook, a Robertsdale native and Auburn University graduate, announced he was gay last month. The announcement came just days after Cook criticized his home state for being slow to grant equality to minorities and the poor.

Shortly after announcing her plans, however, Todd said she received a call from Apple asking her not to name the bill for Cook, adding they didn't want to be involved in what could become a heated political battle. Todd agreed to change the name of the bill but on Tuesday, she said she received a call from Bruce Sewell, Apple's general counsel and senior vice president of Legal and Government Affairs.

"He apologized profusely and said there was an employee that was trying to protect Apple from controversy," Todd said. "He said 'I'm here to assure you we support this 100 percent."

Todd said Sewell told her Cook was glad to see his comments made in Alabama are bringing about action.

Cook has long been a champion of anti-discrimination measures and the company is regularly recognized for its LGBT-friendly policies.

In a written statement, Apple apologized for any misunderstanding about the bill.

"Tim was honored to hear that State Rep. Todd wanted to name an anti-discrimination bill after him, and we're sorry if there was any miscommunication about it. We have a long history of support for LGBT rights and we hope every state will embrace workplace equality for all," the statement to AL.com said.

Todd, Alabama's only openly gay legislator, said she plans to move ahead with her bill that will provide protection for state employees, even though she knows she faces an uphill battle in a Republican-controlled legislature.

"People think LGBT employees are protected under federal civil rights laws, but that's just not the case," she said.

Updated Dec. 3 at 2:13 p.m. with comment from Apple.