THE CANADIAN PRESS

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MONTREAL - The president of a popular Quebec clothing chain has apologized for the use of rail-thin models in a store back-to-school fashion catalogue.

Peter Simons said he had failed to "exercise proper attention, empathy, and, especially, sensitivity and social responsibility." La Maison Simons yanked the catalogue after complaints from customers. The store said it has always been a priority to make a positive contribution to the community and it has drawn up very specific guidelines for its advertising teams.

Taking full responsibility, Simons said he had come up short with the Twik catalogue.

"After scrutinizing each customer letter we received, I understand your disappointment and frustration," he said in the letter posted on the company's Internet site.

"You may rest assured that I am taking steps to make sure that in the future, we will assume responsibility for maintaining the values we hold dear at Simons."