In an abrupt about turn, Russia has said that it would not subject athletes and guests attending next year's Winter Olympics to the country's stringent new anti-gay law.
According to ABC News, an official of a Russian sports committee clarified that the Olympic Games is a major international event and the country needed to be as polite and tolerant as possible, which is why the decision was taken.
The official added that Russia planned to host large international competitions in the future and the atmosphere should be as safe and polite as possible.
His comments came just a day after Russia's sports minister warned that athletes and spectators would be accountable under the law, the report said.
Under the law, it is illegal to even talk about homosexuality around minors or display gay pride symbols like a rainbow flag and violators face steep fines and jail time, while foreigners face similar penalties plus deportation, the report added.
The change of policy came amid international uproar over the law, especially after the sports minister's comments on Thursday, the report further said.