Harvard University announced late Thursday that it has withdrawn a visiting fellowship offer to Chelsea Manning, the former U.S. Army soldier who served seven years in prison for leaking classified information to WikiLeaks.

The dean of Harvard's Kennedy School posted a lengthy statement on the institute's web site explaining the decision, which follows a pair of high-profile cancellations as well as public criticism, particularly from the conservative right.

'We invited Chelsea Manning because the Kennedy School's longstanding approach to visiting speakers is to invite some people who have significantly influenced events in the world even if they do not share our values and even if their actions or words are abhorrent to some members of our community,' Douglas Elmendorf wrote in his statement.

'However, I now think that designating Chelsea Manning as a Visiting Fellow was a mistake, for which I accept responsibility.

Douglas Elmendorf (left), the dean of Harvard University's Kennedy School, announced Thursday that it has withdrawn a fellowship offer to Chelsea Manning (right), the former Army soldier who served seven years in prison for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks

The dean of Harvard's Kennedy School posted a lengthy statement on the institute's web site explaining the decision, which follows a pair of high-profile cancellations as well as public criticism, particularly from the conservative right. Harvard's campus is seen above

Manning (seen left after her transition from Bradley Manning, right) is a transgender woman who was convicted in 2013 of leaking more than 700,000 U.S. documents. She was released in May from a U.S. military prison in Kansas following her court martial conviction

'I see more clearly now that many people view a Visiting Fellow title as an honorific, so we should weigh that consideration when offering invitations.'

The decision by Harvard was undoubtedly a response to the public backlash that its initial invitation to Manning generated.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo says he scrapped his appearance Thursday at Harvard University over the school's decision to make Manning a visiting fellow.

Pompeo calls Manning an 'American traitor.'

CIA Director Mike Pompeo (left) says he scrapped his appearance Thursday at Harvard University over the school's decision to make Manning a visiting fellow. Mike Morell, former deputy director and acting director of the CIA, sent a resignation letter to Harvard in protest

In his letter of resignation, Morell writes he could not be part of an organization that 'honors a convicted felon and leaker of classified information.'

Pompeo, a Harvard graduate, says he didn't make the decision lightly.

He is citing military and intelligence officials who believe that the leaks endangered the lives of CIA employees.

He was supposed to speak at the university Thursday night, but was a no-show.

The CIA released a letter Pompeo wrote to Harvard explaining his decision.

Earlier Thursday, Mike Morell, former deputy director and acting director of the CIA, sent a resignation letter to Harvard saying he could not be part of an organization that 'honors a convicted felon and leaker of classified information.'

Morell, who was a non-resident senior fellow says leaking classified information is 'disgraceful.'

'Senior leaders in our military have stated publicly that the leaks by Ms. Manning put the lives of US soldiers at risk,' Morell said.

'I have an obligation in my conscience - and I believe to the country - to stand against any efforts to justify leaks of sensitive national security information.'

Social media users reacted almost immediately to the development, with some castigating Manning for her behavior

One person wrote: 'How to become a Harvard Visiting Fellow: Leak 700,000 classified documents & get convicted of 6 espionage charges'

Manning is a transgender woman who was convicted in 2013 of leaking more than 700,000 U.S. documents.

Manning, 29, was released in May from a U.S. military prison in Kansas following her court martial conviction in 2013.

Manning had been serving time for passing secrets to the WikiLeaks website in the biggest breach of classified data in the history of the United States.

After serving seven years in prison, President Barack Obama commuted her 35-year sentence, saying the punishment was 'disproportionate' compared to other whistle-blowers.

Following Morell's resignation, social media users took to Twitter to express their thoughts.

Some showed support for the former spy chief's decision to leave the school, calling Manning a 'traitor' who sold out the country.

'Seriously @Harvard?? Enabling a traitor to our country? You need to check your stupidity,' one user stated.

While another sarcastically wrote: 'How to become a Harvard Visiting Fellow: Leak 700,000 classified documents & get convicted of 6 espionage charges.'

Conservative pundit Bill Kristol also chimed in, which led to the only response from Manning about the situation so far.

'I'm loyal to Harvard, but I think I'll forego IOP events this fall. (I'd feel the same way if Chelsea Manning were still Bradley Manning.)' Kristol posted to Twitter.