A Labour MP has apologised after suggesting that the post of fisheries minister would be an unsuitable job for a woman.
Frank Doran came under fire after remarking during a Commons debate that he was "not sure it is a job for a woman".
He initially insisted he was not being sexist because "I know the fishing industry".
But in a statement last night the Aberdeen North MP said: "I apologise for what I said earlier. It was an error of judgment which does not represent my view or the Labour Party's."
Doran made the comments during a debate on the fishing industry in the Commons.
He recalled previous fishing debates in the Commons and the "biting" questions a minister previously faced, largely due to the higher number of fishing communities in the country.
He went on: "And he or, I'm trying to remember if we've ever had a female fisheries minister, I don't think we have."
Conservative Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) intervened to tell him: "We haven't but we have had former female secretaries of state."
Doran replied: "You're absolutely right but no dedicated fisheries ministers. I'm not sure it is a job for a woman although the honourable lady might reach that."
After gasps could be heard from fellow MPs, Doran said: "That was not a sexist remark. I know the fishing industry very well."
Murray's fisherman husband died in an accident on board his trawler after a toggle on the hood of his jacket got tangled in the net as he was hauling it in.
Neil Murray, 57, died in March 2011 from multiple injuries suffered in the accident on the vessel Our Boy Andrew.
Outside the Commons, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan - who is also the Women and Equalities Minister - said: "Frank Doran's comments are outrageous and deeply offensive and seriously undermine our work to raise aspiration among young women and girls.
"He should apologise immediately. Labour are very good at throwing stones but they are too quick to ignore blatant sexism within their own ranks - Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman cannot ignore this."
Soubry, the first female MP to be a defence minister, added: "Frank Doran is talking nonsense and insulting women. Ed Miliband should make it absolutely clear he doesn't agree with Doran's ridiculous remarks."
The fisheries minister is Tory George Eustice.
Ukip leader Nigel Farage denounced Mr Doran's comment as "offensive". He said: "Of course Frank Doran MP is totally wrong, not just offensive in his ignorance. More arrogant antics from Labour stalwarts," said Mr Farage in a tweet. Just imagine for a split second how the media would react if I said this. Mr Doran has had an easy ride