Sept 25 (Reuters) - Nike-owned (NKE.N) sneaker brand Converse told employees it is pausing all marketing this week ​after an earlier advertisement sparked outrage for evoking imagery ‌of the Ku Klux Klan and lynching, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing a person familiar with the decision.

Reuters could not immediately verify ​the report. Nike did not immediately respond to a ​Reuters request for comment.

Converse pulled the advertisement after facing ⁠public backlash last week and apologized, saying "we got this wrong."

The ad ​showed the lower half of a person wearing a white, calf-length ​skirt-like garment, which critics said resembled a KKK robe. The person was featured holding black sneakers.

The images were part of a campaign for Converse's ​Chuck 70 X sneaker, created in collaboration with Karina, ​a member of the K-pop group Aespa.

The ad also drew scrutiny from US ‌lawmakers. ⁠In a statement on Monday, the Congressional Black Caucus said it was "deeply disturbed and disappointed by Converse’s decision to release this advertising campaign," and that it would request a meeting ​with Nike executives.

Converse ​sales have dropped ⁠for 13 consecutive quarters, most recently tumbling 34% on a constant-currency basis in the fourth ​quarter.

Nike, which is set to report first-quarter earnings ​next ⁠week, is still facing significant obstacles as CEO Elliott Hill tries to turn around the business. Shares have fallen more than 40% this year ⁠as ​investors seek clear signs that Hill's ​nearly two-year effort to revive growth is gaining traction.