The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangdong Province, said Wednesday that its security check can include a pat down that can involve touching a passenger's crotch, in a response to Web users' concern over their privacy.

A Sina Weibo user named "Ximen Bu'an" said Tuesday the airport had adopted the "check the passenger's crotch" procedure at its security check. Several others said they also had a similar experience at the airport.

The Weibo posting, which had been reported some 11,000 times by late Thursday, has become a centerpiece of online debate.

While most people said it is inappropriate and uncomfortable, the airport said it is a regular part of the security check as requested by the country's civil aviation authorities.

A security check staffer with the airport said although they don't intentionally touch the passenger's private parts, they will if need be, reported the Guangzhou Daily Thursday.

"We usually do it with a detector, but we may do it gently with our hands too," said the employee.

The airport explained that they are vigilant because they have caught people hiding drugs in their bras, underpants and even inside a tampon.

"We have not received any complaints regarding the checking of private parts including the breast or crotch," another employee with the security service center of the Baiyun airport told the Global Times Thursday.

A female passenger surnamed Zhao, 43, who took a plane from the Baiyun airport Tuesday evening, told the Global Times her crotch was checked but she understood the move.

"The female security staffer was very quick and I didn't see it as disrespectful," she said.

A security staffer at the airport was quoted by the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily as saying Thursday that there is a room where they can check the passenger's private undergarments.

"Passengers will be checked in the room by employees of the same gender if necessary," the staffer said.