It was more than 20 years ago when toy maker Mattel apologized for putting the phrase “math class is tough” in the mouth of its Teen Talk Barbie, and history repeated itself today when retailer The Children’s Place found itself under attack for selling a girls’ T-shirt expressing a similar sentiment.

I don't like this Children's Place shirt at all. Girls should able to love school unabashedly, via @DrRobyn http://t.co/KHlPtYznkj — Amanda Morin (@AmandaMorin) August 5, 2013

Dangerously irresponsible @ChildrensPlace sells gender stereotypes along with kids clothes http://t.co/V1sdQzfHFX via @jezebel — Samantha Ettus (@samanthaettus) August 5, 2013

Abortion rights group A Is For… tweeted its outrage, which was echoed by some of the group’s celebrity followers.

Despite pulling the shirt from store shelves, the retailer’s attempt at damage control wasn’t fondly embraced.

@childrensplace And the designer? Does he still work for you?? — jennyrice (@jennyrice) August 6, 2013

@childrensplace Also, why don't you apologize for being stupid and not for who you "may have offended."? Lame. — jennyrice (@jennyrice) August 6, 2013

https://twitter.com/MsShannonG88/status/364554573584670720

@childrensplace @AIsForOrg So, u aren't sorry for selling it, just if anyone was offended. This is a non apology. — Suzy VanNasdale (@sisvannasdale) August 6, 2013

.@childrensplace Not enough. Admit the shirt was sexist. Commit to empowering messages. Let's talk. Seriously. — Veronica (@veronicaeye) August 6, 2013

@childrensplace About damn time u removed that disgusting "math is hard" BS shirt from your line-up. I like ur stores but DON'T DO IT AGAIN! — eldeemocrat (@eldeemocrat) August 6, 2013

https://twitter.com/gardengnomey/status/364566375152365571

@childrensplace How did it get in the stores in the first place? There's some seriously messed-up culture there if that got approved. — Terri (@terri_to) August 6, 2013

@childrensplace Apologize for the misogynist MESSAGE rather than the fact that it offended people. #girlsdeservebetter #boycott — Carrie Mac (@CarrieMacWrites) August 6, 2013

@childrensplace Our girls matter and deserve a real apology. #NotBuyingIt — Elizabeth Ortiz (@ProfLizOrtiz) August 6, 2013

How will The Children’s Place atone for its sexist messaging and fully demonstrate its commit to female empowerment? Perhaps it’s time to unveil a line of tampon earrings, Wendy Davis nail art kits, coat hanger brooches and “Keep Jesus out of my vagina” T-shirts for pre-teens.