Miranda Kerr's saucy magazine cover pulled from Australian stores

Miranda Kerr's racy nude shoot for Harper's Bazaar magazine is causing controversy in her native Australia as the publication has been banned by a leading supermarket chain.

The saucy spread for the publication features an image of the supermodel wearing nothing but a pair of high-heeled shoes on the cover, and the controversial image has infuriated bosses at Australian chain Coles.

They have now removed the magazine from the shelves in nearly 800 stores across the country following a series of complaints from customers.

"In response to feedback from our customers, many of whom shop with their children, we removed the magazine from sale earlier this week," a spokeswoman for the store tells Guardian Australia.

Harper's Bazaar Australia's editor-in-chief Kellie Hush tells Fairfax Media, "I've had so much positive feedback from around the globe (about Miranda's shoot)... It's a shame Coles doesn't also recognise the artistic integrity of this image."

Hush adds to Mediaweek.com.au, "It's very tasteful. We know the rules. There is nothing distasteful showing and it's a really beautiful shot... I think it's iconic and I believe this shot will become iconic once it's all settled down."

Miranda has yet to comment on the row.