Eric Garner's last words -- "I can't breathe" -- have become a rallying slogan for those who've taken up causes including police misconduct and racial inequality in the wake of his death. Everyone from those marching at protests to NBA stars warming up before their games have worn shirts with that phrase printed across the front, and the hashtag #icantbreathe has exploded on Twitter.

As a response to that movement, though, an Indiana police officer and store owner created shirts with a different slogan.

"I just designed my own version of a shirt that is absolutely necessary right now," wrote Jason Barthel of his "Breathe Easy, Don't Break The Law" tees on the South Bend Uniform Co.'s Facebook page. In addition to owning the store, Barthel, according to his LinkedIn profile, is an 11-year veteran of the Mishawaka Police Department.

"Happy to print as many as these as people will wear," he added. "Let me know how many to get for any of your agencies!! $7.95 each for sizes up to XL and $9.95 each for 2XL - 3XL."

The image of the shirt, not surprisingly, inspired impassioned responses. Though they mainly seemed to be critical of the phrasing -- like a Facebook user named Heather Thomas, who wrote, "This is absolutely disgusting to me" -- some took a different stance.

"Where were all you reverse-racist fools when the black kids shot a white baby in his stroller, or when the newest 'game' in the hood was sucker-punch and run?" asked George Tabbert Jr.

Still, given the seemingly overwhelmingly negative response to the shirt, Barthel posted a response on the company's page on Monday:

For those upset, please understand when we use the slogan "Breathe Easy" we are referring to knowing the police are there for you! We are one people, one nation regardless of race, religion, creed or gender. We are all in this together. The police are here to protect and serve. 99.9% of us have the greater good in our hearts each time we strap on our uniforms and duty belts. We are all one people and this is by no means is a slam on Eric Garner or his family, God rest his soul. Lets all band together as AMERICANS regardless of our feelings and know we can and will be better! Thank you for your support.

The attempted clarification didn't seem to appease, though.

"Such a bullsh-- response to the controversy you've created with your ignorant shirt," wrote James Hurley.

Another commenter, Elizabeth Imposible, meanwhile, wondered if there were larger implications.

"How exactly is 'don't break the law' part of this tshirt aleged [sic] to have played into the warm fuzzy 'we're here for you' message?" she asked. "It is clear that the tshirt is a thinly veiled threat on the lives of petty lawbreakers."