Harper's Bazaar magazine editor-in-chief Kellie Hush says she is disappointed by supermarket giant Coles's decision to withdraw the January/February issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine, which features a nude photo of Miranda Kerr on the cover.
The Australian supermodel stands completely naked bar her stilettos on the cover of the high-end fashion mag, as she rests her elbow provocatively on a wrought iron balcony.
A Coles spokesman told AAP the company found the front cover inappropriate and decided to pull it from sale.
"In response to feedback from our customers, many of whom shop with their children, we removed the magazine from sale earlier this week," the spokesman said.
On Monday, Hush tweeted "this shot will become iconic" alongside a picture of the cover, so the magazine editor was clearly unimpressed by the supermarket's decision days later.
"I was really disappointed to hear Coles made the decision to pull the Miranda Kerr issue off shelves," she told Fairfax Media.
"The cover is a beautiful artistic image taken by one of Australia's best photographer's Steven Chee and I stand by that.
"I have had so much positive feedback from around the globe, it is a shame Coles does not also recognise the artistic integrity of this image.
"As Gloria Steinem says: 'The human body is not obscene.'"
Customers also had plenty to say on the issue on social media on Friday.
While some voiced their approval with the supermarket's call, others revealed their disgust at a decision that reeked of censorship.
Simon Tology (@Simon_Tology) labelled the decision "unAustralian", while Julie (@JulieInMelb) said it was a "ridiculous decision" as "a tiny bit of boob is seen and that's it".
Others did not find the decision so disappointing, saying the withdrawal was no different to Coles's decision to remove Zoo Weekly magazines from its shelves in August 2015.
"Thumbs up Coles," wrote Marnie (@missymarn). "Really poor choice @BAZAARAustralia".
"Good to see Coles treating Harper's Bazaar no differently to Zoo Weekly," wrote Becky Quick (@beckyquick83).
Another user, Vicki Watson (@ScorpioGCoast), said the front cover lionised a body type most women could never achieve.
Others adopted an ironic tone.
"If you're upset they pulled naked Miranda Kerr from Coles," wrote The Duke (@Deadly_Thoughts), "you can just google it. It's cheaper anyway."
Kerr's talent agency IMG has been reached for comment.
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