Chief Of Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee Resigns Over Sexist Remarks

Japan's Olympic organizing chief resigned Friday following a groundswell of criticism that his remarks more than a week ago showed disdain for women and that he tried to maintain the male-dominated status quo by installing his own replacement on the Tokyo Games organizing committee.

At a special meeting of the committee in Tokyo on Friday, But in other comments he appeared utterly unapologetic, insisting that his remarks weren't meant to demean women and any problems were largely a matter of interpretation. He also accused his critics of being disrespectful toward the elderly and the media for whipping up dissent. Mori's resignation came before the committee could discuss his future. IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement that he respected Mori's decision to step down and looked forward to working with his successor. Just a day ago, Mori appeared to have succeeded in handpicking that successor, 84-year-old Saburo Kawabuchi, former head of Japan's soccer and basketball leagues. The two reportedly met at Mori's home Thursday, and Kawabuchi told reporters he accepted Mori's request to replace him.