Lebanese Olympic skier becomes a hate-figure in her home country - PHOTO+VIDEO

The photos of Jackie Chamoun, which were taken for a calendar, show her holding strategically-placed ski equipment to protect her modesty as she poses in Lebanon's Faraya mountains.But video of the photoshoot and stills from the film, which leave little to the imagination, emerged online this week and were featured on Lebanese television, sparking a flood of complaints.Chamoun apologised for the video and stills in a statement published on Facebook on Tuesday, which she said showed the preparation for the photoshoot, rather than the final product.She wrote: 'The video and photos that you are now seeing are part of the making of the preparation. It wasn't supposed to go public.'I want to apologise to all of you, I know that Lebanon is a conservative country and this is not the image that reflects our culture,' she added. 'All I can ask to each of you who saw this is to stop spreading it, it will really help me focus on what is really important now: my training and race.'But the apology has not placated everyone, with Lebanon's Youth and Sports Minister Faisal Karami calling on Tuesday for an investigation into the photos to ensure 'the protection of Lebanon's reputation.'The Lebanese Olympic Committee was met yesterday afternoon to discuss the issue, and the head of the country's Olympic delegation said Chamoun had been barred from speaking to the media.Lebanon is considered among the most liberal countries in the Arab world, with women generally free to wear the skimpiest of attire, and alcohol widely available.But the society remains culturally conservative by western standards and Chamoun's photos touched off a small firestorm.'Stop all your trash,' Issam Merhi wrote on Chamoun's Facebook page, addressing her supporters.'What she has done is wrong, or else you would have all done it.'The 22-year-old Chamoun is competing in her second Winter Olympics representing Lebanon in alpine skiing.And despite the criticism levelled against her, plenty of fans offered their support online.'Don't worry about nay sayers Jackie!' wrote Nicolas Rubeiz on her Facebook page.'Cherish your independence and keep making us proud. You are causing no shame whatsoever to Lebanon.'And others ridiculed the idea of a ministerial investigation to protect Lebanon's reputation at a time when the country is being rocked by a string of car bombings and other violence.'Weekly car bombs, not a big deal. #JackieChamoun in a slightly revealing photoshoot: scandal. #LebaneseProblem,' wrote Twitter user KareemVots.(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az