Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani on Friday found herself in a fix when her remarks that women in the country are not told what to wear, whom to meet and where to go were opposed by an audience she was addressing.

While interacting with New York-based journalist Tina Brown at an event she said, "In India, I don't think any woman here is dictated what to wear, how to wear, whom to meet, when to meet....I am of the opinion, I don't think anybody is dictated here, you are not told."

The audience loudly disagreed with the Minister's remarks, Brown drew her attention to it. Putting up a brave front, Irani responded, "Are you told? I am sorry. I am not. My apologies ladies."

Trying to justify her comments, Irani said she did not come from a famous family but a lower middle class family which told her to determine her own future. However, the minister admitted that there were challenges which everyone has to face.

When asked about the raging debate on intolerance, Irani said that "India is aware of its challenges but is also adept in handling those challenges through rule of law."

Asked why she chose to join BJP, Irani said that she was connected with RSS, which is ideologically the same family. She said, "This is ideologically my parivaar and that is why I am here."