Justin Bieber is fighting back against critics who condemned his choice of attire when meeting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Clad in overalls and a backwards baseball cap, the pop idol met Harper to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on Friday.

Twitter exploded with criticism of Bieber, with many calling him "disrespectful." Gossip blog Gawker was particularly vocal, labelling the singer a "white trash prince."

I know I shouldn't be attached to social norms, but I think Bieber wearing overalls to see the Prime Minister is pretty disrespectful — Christin Spencer (@Christalite61) November 26, 2012



Justin bieber wears a snap back and overalls to receive the diamond jubilee award from pm harper .. So disrespectful #disgusted — Rachel Adams (@rachhhadams) November 26, 2012



On the other hand, Harper had a more lighthearted view of the outfit.

In fairness to @justinbieber, I told him I would be wearing my overalls too. #cdnpoli #beliebers — Stephen Harper (@pmharper) November 25, 2012



Bieber responded Sunday via Instagram to one article that referenced Gawker's insult in its headline.

"The pic of me and the Prime Minister was taken in a room in the arena where i was performing at that day. I walked straight from my meet and greet to him, if you "Hayley" expect me to have a change of clothes let a loan a suit at that specific time that's crazy, It wasn't like it was like I was going into his environment we were at a hockey arena. Wow am i ever white trash hayley peterson lol."

Bieber previously instagrammed about his controversial outfit on Saturday. "I met the Prime Minister in overalls lol," he wrote.

How appropriate was Bieber's outfit to meet the Canadian prime minister? What do you think about his response to critics? Discuss in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Flickr, PM Stephen Harper