FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NewsNation) — Athletes around the world are gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Some, however, aren’t too happy with this year’s gear design by Nike, specifically the U.S. women’s kits.

It’s most likely not the response Nike was expected when it released a first look at the Nike 2024 national and federation kits.

Critics of the uniforms have called some of them inappropriate and sexist, in particular taking issue with the women’s kits’ bikini-like bottoms and how they fit around the pelvic area.

Nike’s 2024 Paris Olympics collection

Nike touted its new air technology with these uniforms at an event in Paris last Thursday. But instead of receiving praise, the company received major backlash for what some are calling “sexist” outfits that don’t “leave much to the imagination.”

Nike responded to the backlash, saying the company worked directly with athletes throughout the design process.

“Working directly with athletes throughout every stage of the design process, Nike designed garments to ensure fit across a range of body types and style preferences and infused real-time feedback throughout the entire product-development cycle,“ the full statement said.

Nike’s goal was to offer athletes options that met their “desires for choice, comfort and performance,” according to the news release.

According to Nike, the partnership met Olympians’ “exact needs and specifications.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to share feedback and insights that helped inform the new USATF Kit,” hurdler Anna Cockrell said. “During testing, this fit allowed me to move freely and without distraction, and I love how the look represents Team USA.”

Nike collection backlash

However, Lauren Fleshman, a U.S. national champion distance runner and one of the most decorated collegiate athletes of all time, had plenty to say about Team USA’s track and field uniforms.

“I’m sorry, but show me one WNBA or NWSL team who would enthusiastically support this kit. This is for the Olympic track and field,” Fleshman posted to social media.

She continued, “Women’s kits should be in service to performance, mentally and physically. If this outfit was truly beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it. This is not an elite athletic kit for track and field.”

Fleshman has a unique perspective, considering she wrote a book, “Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World,” and aims to help change women’s athletics.

While there are a lot of people who share the same sentiment as Fleshman, Nike does offer other options for women athletes to wear, including shorts that cover more of the lower body.