Located in the West Wing of the White House Complex, the Oval Office is the official office of the President of the United States.
Conway is seen perched on her knees on the couch with her feet behind her in photos taken Monday while President Donald Trump met with leaders of historically black colleges and universities. Other photos show Conway leaning over to take a smartphone picture of the event.
The image of Conway trended widely on social media, with several Twitter users freaking out at her for what they described as a lack of respect in the Oval Office.
Some Twitter users were quick to highlight the photos as evidence of a lack of respect for the office from Conway and the Trump administration. Other users have countered with numerous photos of former President Barack Obama resting his feet on the office's desk during his time in office.
Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens, referring to previous presidential aides, wrote "If Rice or Jarrett had sat like this in Oval Office, conservatives would have screamed themselves hoarse for weeks. Now we own trashy".
In her response, Conway said she had to sit in that position in order to take a photograph of the crowded room at a certain angle.
“I was being asked to take a picture in a crowded room with the press behind us. I was asked to take a certain angle and was doing exactly that. I certainly meant no disrespect, I didn’t mean to have my feet on the couch,” she told Fox News’ Lou Dobbs Tonight show.
(With inputs from AP)