WASHINGTON– Fashion retailer H&M has pulled a vest from its shelves worldwide after accusations its design, which featured a menacing skull in the center of a Star of David, was anti-Semitic.

The menswear item, which was withdrawn this week following complaints, was also destined for sale in Israel, where the retailer has 14 stores.

H&M, a Swedish company, said in a statement Friday: “We are sincerely sorry if the T-shirt print has offended anyone, it was not our intention to provoke such a reaction.”

European Jewish Congress President Moshe Kantor welcomed the garment’s withdrawal, calling it a “thoughtless and insensitive design.”

Kantor said he hoped “that the symbols of the Jewish People will be given the same care as those of other minority groups.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report