LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is standing by a new state license plate that was widely mocked as boring and sexually suggestive.

Ricketts said Tuesday that the plate incorporates “very positive imagery” of the state’s agricultural heritage and fulfils its purpose as a form of identification for law enforcement.

The plate features the iconic “Sower” statue that tops the state Capitol in Lincoln. Since it was unveiled last week, social media commenters have called it uninspired. Some have argued that the image of the Sower holding a grain satchel in front of his pelvis looks inappropriate.

Comedian Chris Hardwick made fun of the plate on the Comedy Central show @midnight.

Ricketts says he knew license plate redesigns are controversial, but he did not expect the image to make national comedy news.