United Airlines: Customers 'welcome' to wear leggings

United Airlines says regular-paying flyers are welcome to wear leggings aboard its flights, even though two teenage girls were barred by a gate agent from boarding a flight from Denver to Minneapolis on Sunday because of their attire.

An airline spokesperson said that the girls were traveling under an employee travel pass that includes a dress code.

The move sparked a wave of online criticism against United. Comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted that she would change her United flight bookings to other airlines for a tour next month because of the leggings issue.

Chicago-based United sought to clarify its stance in a post on its website late Sunday titled, "To our customers ... your leggings are welcome!"

The post said employees are "regularly reminded" about its dress code.

One of United's competitors, Delta, had some fun with the controversy Monday, tweeting: