Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has admitted a "poor choice of words" when it comes to gays and lesbians.

Mr Abbott has come under fire recently for comments regarding homosexuality, saying he felt "threatened" by homosexuals and that homosexuality "challenges orthodox notions of the right order of things".

In the pink ... Tony Abbott helped promote The McGrath Foundation Ironman event, in Manly yesterday.

But speaking today on Joy 94.9, a Melbourne gay and lesbian radio station, Mr Abbott seemed to soften his stance, admitting that his comments were a "poor choice of words".

While he reiterated Coalition policy that marriage should remain between a man and a woman, he declared the Liberal Party's support for a federal anti-discrimination law that would include protection for gays and lesbians.