The April edition features the photo of the singer/actress/fashion designer with one hand over her breast and another wrapped around her nude belly.
The Arizona Daily Star reported the manager of the store received multiple complaints, prompting a worker to cover the image with cardboard.
"The sign was up for a short time and removed," Teena Massingill, director of corporate public affairs for Safeway Inc., told The Associated Press. "This was one store employee's response to some customer complaints. This was by no means a company-wide directive."
Elle Magazine released a statement Friday to the AP.
"We've received an overwhelmingly positive response to Jessica Simpson's cover," it said. "She's celebrating her body during this joyous time in her life and we couldn't be happier for her."
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com
