Democratic presidential hopeful Julián Castro on Wednesday applauded Nike's decision to nix a pair of sneakers featuring a Betsy Ross flag.

The former Housing and Urban Development secretary said in a CBS News interview that he was "glad to see" the company's decision.

"I was glad to see that. And my hope is that they didn't just do it to do it. They understand the significance there. And look, there are a lot of things in our history that are still very painful," Castro said, pointing to "the Confederate Flag that still flies in some places, and is used as a symbol."

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"I believe we need to move towards an inclusive America that understands that pain," he added.

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Nike decided to pull the shoe after former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who has been a spokesman for the company, raised concerns that some might find the flag offensive due to its connection to an era of slavery.

Following the company's decision, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that he will ask the state's commerce authority to pull financial incentives for Nike over a planned location in the state.

Other Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes MORE (Texas) and Josh Hawley Joshua (Josh) David HawleyHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Trump faces tricky choice on Supreme Court pick FBI director warns that Chinese hackers are still targeting US COVID-19 research MORE (Mo.) have criticized the company's decision, with Cruz vowing to never buy the company's products again.

Castro is among two dozen people competing for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination.