Photos of a bikini competition in which women wore traditional Chinese opera headgear have stirred wide debate online, but the organizing committee of the competition said they were just trying to help spread traditional Chinese culture.

Bikini models wear Chinese opera headgear at Miss Bikini International held in Beijing on April 25, 2012. [Photo/sohu.com]

The photos are from the Miss Bikini International held in Beijing in April, and the women are previous winners, said Li Yulong, presiding chairman of the organizing committee of Miss Bikini International and board chairman of Beijing Meili Culture Development Co Ltd.

An online poll shows that 71 percent consider the pictures as "spoiling traditional culture and unacceptable".

But others said it's no big deal and we should be tolerant. One wrote, "It's bikini borrowing opera, not singing opera with bikini. No fuss about it."

Miss Bikini International replied on its official micro blog that the move was aimed at showcasing Asian charm.

"We originally intended to promote Chinese culture through the bikini contest and absolutely not to 'spoil' opera," said Li.