Devon and Cornwall's police commissioner has been accused of implying domestic violence is mainly a women's issue.
Tony Hogg reportedly said: "At an event like this, it's bound to be mostly ladies," to a conference on domestic violence in Cornwall.
Mr Hogg apologised and said dealing with domestic violence was "very high on my agenda".
People Members of the audience reportedly walked out after the comment at the event at the Headlands Hotel in Newquay.
Cornish Councillor Hanna Toms tweeted that Mr Hogg offended "half the room in his opening sentence", resulting in "people leaving fast".
She told the BBC: "He started with, 'Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen although, at an event like this, it's bound to be mostly ladies.'
"There was a groan of disbelief at our table and this rattled across the room. It hit the wrong note for so many people there."
Ms Toms has since accepted an invitation to talk to Mr Hogg on the subject.
Mr Hogg said he was "well aware of the issues that domestic abuse and sexual violence causes to all members of society" and he had been "pleased to be invited to close this event".
He added: "I am concerned that anyone in the audience could misconstrue my comments, but I know this is an incredibly sensitive area and it disappoints me that someone should leave the event feeling that way.
"The effects of domestic abuse are very high on my agenda and my office works very closely with partners to make sure that we commission the very best services for victims - be they male or female, adult or child - and to hold the police to account for how they deal with such crimes."
