ROME (AP) — A decision by Italian officials to cover up ancient nude statues to not offend Iran's visiting president is drawing ridicule in Rome.

Ahead of a press conference Monday with Premier Matteo Renzi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, wooden panels were erected around some Roman statues in Rome's Capitoline Museums.

When images of the cover-up made the Italian media Tuesday, politicians from across the spectrum decried and derided the decision.

The museum says the premier's office wanted the statues along Rouhani's path to the press conference covered up. Renzi's office declined to comment.

Renzi and Rouhani spoke in a room featuring the famed bronze statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, fully clothed.