The State Department was forced to apologize on Wednesday for a questionably worded message that was criticized as offensive. 
 
 “Not a ‘10’ in the US?” the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs asked, apparently referring to a rating of physical attractiveness. “Then not a 10 overseas.” 
 
 Not a “10” in the US? Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse—being robbed. #springbreakingbadly — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 The tweet drew criticism online, where some said it appeared sexist or patronizing. 
 
 @gonicholasgo We made no mention of gender. This can happen to anyone unfortunately. — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 @caitlinrcruz @TimHerrera we're not trying to neg anyone - just trying to warn folks about overseas scam artists. — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 Hours later, the department deleted the tweet and apologized, saying it meant as a warning for Americans “to be careful while traveling.” 
 
 Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively (1/2) — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 We see many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling (2/2) — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 The “Not a 10?” tweet isn’t the first time the State Department’s Twitter activity came under scrutiny this week, when many colleges and universities are on spring break. 
 
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 The State Department tweeted out a warning to Americans traveling overseas Wednesday — and then deleted the tweet after a deluge of criticism from people who called it sexist. 
 
 The tweet, sent from the State Department's @TravelGov account at 1:20 p.m. ET, in essence told Americans that they're not as good-looking as they think they are — and not to be flattered by the locals: 
 
 The State Department deleted the offending tweet Wednesday afternoon. Twitter.com 
 
 Cue Internet outrage: 
 
 @TravelGov @gonicholasgo Incredibly irresponsible to use sexist and objectifying language to prove you're "down with the kids." Do better. — Breakthrough U.S. (@BreakthroughUS) March 30, 2016 
 
 State Dept. travel advisories being ghostwritten by college sophomore with popped collar https://t.co/Gco7s4n28w — Leandro Oliva (@lmoliva_) March 30, 2016 
 
 And soon came the parody account: 
 
 if you are a "1" in the united states replace all your "mirrors" with "walls" — Travel Gov (@Travel_Gov) March 30, 2016 
 
 when judging hotness BE WARNED: some countries rate by the binary system 
 
 A 10 in russia is actually TWO PEOPLE standing next to each other — Travel Gov (@Travel_Gov) March 30, 2016 
 
 The State Department initially engaged the responders: 
 
 @caitlinrcruz @TimHerrera we're not trying to neg anyone - just trying to warn folks about overseas scam artists. — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016 
 
 But eventually, it gave up and took down the offending tweet, with a two-part apology: 
 
 Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively 1/2 — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016
– The State Department was accused of "negging its own citizens" Wednesday after telling Americans that they should beware of foreigners who find them attractive. "Not a '10' in the US? Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse—being robbed," the Bureau of Consular Affairs tweeted as part of its #SpringBreakingBadly series of warnings. The department deleted the tweet after complaints that it was sexist and patronizing, the Hill reports. The department tweeted that some "have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively," adding that it sees "many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling." The warning was widely mocked online, with parody account Travel Gov issuing warnings like "If you are a '3' in the United States you must carry a 'hand-written' letter of apology with you in order to travel," NBC News reports. (The State Department says that with delays looming, people should renew aging passports as soon as possible.)