Police in Virginia will not proceed with controversial plans to photograph a 17-year-old boy's genitalia as evidence in a sexting case against him.

Manassas police backed down Thursday following criticism for obtaining a search warrant to take pictures of the boy's penis. Authorities planned to compare those photos with a pornographic video the teen allegedly sent to his 15-year-old girlfriend in January.

The teen's lawyer had said officials threatened to medically induce an erection in the boy if necessary, the Washington Post reported.

Critics said photographing the teen would be creating more child pornography.

Manassas Police Lt. Brian Larkin said the department will allow the warrant to expire, the Associated Press reports.

The case, which was first reported by NBC Washington, hinges on an exchange between the teen and his girlfriend in January. The girlfriend sent photos of herself to the teen and he responded with a video. His girlfriend's mother contacted police.

When police arrested the teen, they photographed his penis against his will, his aunt, who is his guardian, alleged to NBC Washington.

The teen has been charged with manufacturing and distributing child pornography. His girlfriend has not been arrested.