A New Jersey sports official has apologized for telling student athletes that Adolf Hitler was a 'good leader' with 'bad moral character and intentions'.

Nutley High School athletic director Joe Piro made the controversial remark while addressing Madison High School students Saturday during an assembly aimed at promoting positive leadership.

At one point, Piro even showed a photo of Hitler as part of a side-by-side comparison with civil rights icon Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

New Jersey sports official, Joe Piro (left), has apologized for telling students that Adolf Hitler (right) was a 'good leader' with 'bad moral character and intentions' and comparing him to Dr Martin Luther King Jr

At one point, Piro even showed a photo of Hitler as part of a side-by-side comparison with civil rights icon Dr Martin Luther King Jr (pictured in 1967)

Several students and parents then 'voiced their concerns' about Hitler being referred to as a 'good leader' in any context.

Upon learning of the incident, Madison Superintendent Mark Schwarz sent a letter to parents condemning the remarks, according to NorthJersey.com.

'Accordingly, it is the position of the Madison High School District that the inclusion of Adolf Hitler had no place in the context of an assembly intended to promote unity and character,' Schwarz wrote in the letter.

Schwarz wrote: 'It was unnecessarily provocative and insensitive for the speaker to include the image of a criminal whose legacy includes the systematic torture and slaughter of millions of Jews, the disabled, and others in Eastern Europe.'

Shortly after the backlash, Piro apologized for the remarks. Piro told NJ.com that he was trying to make a point that 'a leader could have strong leadership skills that influence people in a negative way'.

'My intention during my presentation on Saturday at Madison High School was not to offend anyone in or outside of the Madison Public School District and I am truly sorry if I did,' Piro said.

He says he understands 'Hitler was an evil man who used his skills in a horrific manner'.

Piro has been the athletic director at Nutley High School since 2006 and is the head of the Super Football Conference.

Dr Julie Glazer, the superintendent of the Nutley Public Schools (high school pictured), also apologized for Piro's remarks in a statement

It's unclear if Piro will face any disciplinary actions following the incident.

Dr Julie Glazer, the superintendent of the Nutley Public Schools, said in a statement that the district was 'unaware' of Piro's participation in the leadership conference.

She said the district will use the incident 'as an opportunity to highlight cultural responsiveness and sensitivity within our schools, curriculum and community'.

'We sincerely apologize to the high school audience and the Madison community,' Glazer told NewJersey.com.

Going forward, Superintendent Schwarz said that any presentation given to students by an outside speaker will be reviewed by a school administrator.

Piro's presentation had not been screened in advance.