US President Barack Obama says he has “no regrets” about comments he made supporting Muslims’ right to build a mosque near the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.

While concluding an economic talk with residents in Ohio on Wednesday, Obama was asked about the remarks.

Fierce criticism from Republicans and others who say an Islamic center should not be built near the site where more than 2,600 people were killed by al-Qaida followed the president’s comments on the mosque proposal.

Later, Obama clarified that though he supports the “right” to build a mosque near the site, he would not comment on the “wisdom” of doing so.

Where the mosque is located is a “local decision,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi last Wednesday. She echoed President Obama’s comment that freedom of religion is a constitutional right. Pelosi also called for transparency about who is funding the effort to build the Islamic center and who is funding the attacks against its construction.

(Thanks to Voice of America and Pete Souza)