Selena Gomez leaves bindi out of "Come and Get It" video

Selena Gomez was criticized earlier this month for wearing a bindi -- but the 20-year-old has earned praise for foregoing the religious symbol in her latest music video.

Gomez had worn the bindi for several live performances and an appearance on "Dancing With the Stars," and critics said her wearing it was insensitive to Hindu culture.

The video for "Come and Get It," which premiered last night, got a lot of commentary. The president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, released a statement last night supporting Gomez's decision not to wear the bindi, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Zed also offered to assist Gomez in exploring Hinduism, or to connect her with other Hindu scholars.

Last month, Gomez performed the single at the MTV Movie Awards -- and Zed thought that her choice to wear a bindi was inappropriate.

"It's not meant to be thrown around... as a fashion accessory," Zed said of the bindi. "She should get acquainted with the basics of world religions.

Gomez had defended wearing the bindi earlier this month on David Letterman and Z100, but it appears she rethought her decision for the video.