Sexy 'Handmaid's Tale' costume - Sticking it to Gilead and everything it stands for or completely tone deaf? The internet is divided but the latter has won out as the controversial Halloween costume made by US company Yandy has been removed from sale.

The revealing costume went up on their website this week with the caption: "An upsetting dystopian future has emerged where women no longer have a say. However, we say be bold and speak your mind in this exclusive Brave Red Maiden costume."

However following a great deal of online backlash, the company removed the item with a statement saying: "We support our customers being comfortable in their skin, regardless of who they are or what they choose to wear. Our corporate ideology is rooted in female empowerment, and gender empowerment overall.

"Over the last few hours, it has become obvious that our 'Yandy Brave Red Maiden Costume' is being seen as a symbol of women's oppression, rather than an expression of women's empowerment. This is unfortunate, as it was not our intention on any level."

"Our initial inspiration to create the piece was through witnessing its use in recent months as a powerful protest image. Given the sincere, heartfelt response, supported by numerous personal stories we've received, we are removing the costume from our site."

Below is some of the online reaction: