Washington DC – Sneaker company Converse has apologized for a social media advertisement that users said had evoked the Ku Klux Klan and imagery associated with lynching.

The now-removed ad, posted to the company's Instagram, featured K-pop singer Karina wearing a white skirt and holding a pair of black sneakers by her side.

The image caused an uproar online.

Some social media users said that a white triangular image created by lighting on the skirt looked like a KKK hood. Some also said the dangling shoes evoked imagery associated with lynching.

Converse removed the ad and issued a statement, telling media outlets: "We're sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong."

"This should not have happened, and we will do better," the statement said.

The company added that it had removed the advert from its channels and was working to remove it everywhere it appeared.

The photo was part of a campaign promoting Converse's Chuck 70 X sneaker, launched internationally on August 27.