India, Aug. 26 -- Jewellery brand GIVA on Wednesday, Aug 26 withdrew its Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon, a day after the campaign drew criticism on social media over her outfit.

The brand said in an Instagram statement that hurting religious or cultural sentiments was never its intention. "We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals... If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media," GIVA said.

The ad had sparked debate online, with several users questioning whether Sanon's off-white ensemble, featuring a bralette-sty...