GASTON, N.C. (CBS Charlotte) – A North Carolina lawmaker has apologized for posting a picture on his Facebook showing President Obama wearing Muslim garb.

State Rep. John. A. Torbett, R-Gaston, reportedly posted a picture of Obama wearing a turban last week.

“Next time vote for the REAL American,” the caption under the photo stated.

Instead of the picture, the top post on his Facebook page is now a status update about its removal.

“I have removed an earlier post that some felt disrespected POTUS,” the update says. “As is mentioned in an earlier post I thanked those of us from Gaston for showing him respect during his recent visit.”

Torbett expressed some remorse after taking the post down.

“As a representative, I should have a higher bar set. I should be more aware of what is associated to my name,” he told WSOC-TV, adding that he posted the picture to get public feedback on the issue. “(I) pretty much thank [critics of the post] for raising my awareness,” he said.

Not everyone feels Torbett was in the wrong, however. At least 10 comments have been posted in support of his actions.

“[S]howing respect for the position in no way rules out freedom of speech and opinion of the person in the position, not to mention having a sense of humor,” one comment read.

Added another, “Now that the Gazette has jumped on your post, perhaps they’ll jump on the story about the idiot[s] at the Democratic Party headquarters in Lake County Florida flying the illegal Obama US Flag.”