HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — An American teacher in Vietnam is in trouble for making offensive comments about one of the country's most revered figures.

Daniel Hauer, an English teacher in Hanoi, commented on Facebook that he was getting a genital piercing in the shape of late Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap (VO WEN ZAHP), a national hero who fought the French and American invaders.

The comments drew a furious public response, with many calling for his deportation.

In a meeting with the Ministry of Information and Communication Tuesday, Hauer apologized to Giap's family and the people of Vietnam. State media quoted ministry official Le Quang Tu Do as saying that Hauer could be fined up to $2,200 but a final decision will be made soon depending on his behavior.

Hauer declined to comment Wednesday.