Lady Gaga has apologized to her fans over the furore about her apparent decision to wear fur, branding their concern regarding animal pelts "fair and applaudable."

The "Poker Face" hitmaker caused controversy after she stepped out draped in what appeared to be a pink mink coat in New York last week and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) vice president Dan Matthews fired off an angry letter to the star.

He accused her of breaking a 2011 promise to animal-loving chat show host Ellen DeGeneres not to wear fur - but the singer brushed off the criticism in a post on her Little Monsters website.

She declared, "For those press and such who are writing about whether or not my fur is actually real, please don't forget to credit the designer Hermes. Thank you!"

Gaga has now returned to the site to properly address her views on the subject for followers and critics alike, writing, "To the fans. I want you to know that I care deeply about your feelings and views, and I will always support your philosophies about life..."

"I do not however support violent, abusive, and childish campaigns for any cause. Particularly one that I respect. Animal Rights."

"I am choosing not to comment on whether or not the furs I purchase are faux fur-pile or real because I would think it hypercritical (hypocritical) not to acknowledge the python, ostrich, cow hide, leather, lamb, alligator, 'kermit' and not to mention meat, that I have already worn."

"This should already put me in a category as one who appreciates and adores the beauty of animals in fashion, but am not a strict vegan. I have truly always stayed away from skinned fur, especially (sic) I have never been able to afford a nice one, but this does not mean my morals are rigid and that I won't bend at the sight of an absolute art piece of a coat."

"I have no chains about this. You see a carcass, I see a museum piece de resistance. But I am truly sorry to fans who are upset by this, it's a fair and applaudable feeling about the health and safety of animals. I respect your views, please respect mine."