The company’s flagship Hong Kong store has been the focus of protests and online movement after reports that a security guard told locals they were not allowed to take photographs but mainlanders and foreigners were.

Locals accused the fashion house of “mainlandism” and started an online campaign protesting against the store’s abuse of their rights.

Dolce & Gabbana has previously rejected the criticism but in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday it said it accepted that it was in the wrong.

“We understand that the events which unfolded in front of the Dolce & Gabbana boutique on Canton Road have offended the citizens of Hong Kong, and for this we are truly sorry and we apologise,” it stated.

“The Dolce & Gabbana policy is to welcome the Hong Kong people and that of the whole world respecting the rights of each individual and of the local laws,” it added.

The fast expansion of wealthy people in China has fuelled growth in the luxury sector in Hong Kong, a favorite destination for mainland shoppers to buy Western goods.

But many Hong Kong locals complain that the foreign luxury stores that line the city’s shopping streets perpetrate a form of “luxury hegemonism” in favor of mainlanders and Western tourists.