A customer is seen at a newly-opened Mi store in Porto, Portugal, on June 15, 2019. Chinese technology company Xiaomi opened its first official Mi store in Porto on June 1. (Photo: Xinhua)

A senior executive at Chinese phone producer Xiaomi has apologized for his inappropriate online promotional post which noted the cameras on Xiaomi's newest product could capture images of young women in their dorm rooms. The post has sparked widespread online criticism.

Chang Cheng, vice president of Xiaomi, said on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Sunday that his Friday post had been inappropriate. He apologized for its negative influence, noting that his awareness of caution in public commentary was insufficient and he will accept all criticism.

Official Xiaomi Weibo account Xiaomi Spokesperson reposted Chang's apology on Sunday and further apologized for its negative public influence.

Xiaomi was scheduled to release the new product on Monday.

Some netizens did not accept the apology, saying Chang should reflect on his views instead of apologizing for "insufficient caution in public commentary." Some said low-level promotional activities would only degrade the product's reputation.

After his initial apology statement, Chang on Sunday donated 100,000 yuan ($14,120) to a charity institution and repeated his apology online, saying he will not forget the lesson he has learned. He said all speech should be kind and that he will keep his social responsibility in mind.

Chang joined Xiaomi in January. He was formerly a senior executive of Chinese personal computer producer Lenovo.

Global Times