A sculpture featuring Saudi Arabia's flag will be removed from the grounds of the World Trade Center complex, the site of Sept. 11 terror attacks in 2001, in New York.

This came following public outcry from 9/11 victims' groups, the BBC reported, who have been trying to sue Saudi Arabia for damages. Out of the 19 hijackers, 15 were Saudi nationals, but the kingdom has denied any involvement.

The statue resembles a piece of candy with Saudi Arabia's flag acting as its wrapper. The piece is part of an art installation created in 2011 dubbed "Candy Nations" - which features the flags of the G20 nations, including Saudi Arabia. The exhibition is sponsored by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who confirmed it will be moving all 20 sculptures from the current site.

"We have been in contact with the 9/11 Memorial and various stakeholders, and in full collaboration with the artist will relocate the exhibit from its current location," a spokesperson told BBC News.

"We believe this solution respects the unique sensitivities of the site and preserves the artistic integrity of the exhibit."

Laurence Jenkell, the artist, said the exhibit was meant to "pay tribute to people of the entire world," she said in an interview with US newspaper Observer. 

"Given the unique and justified sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center, it came to my mind to propose to remove the sculpture showcasing the flag of Saudi Arabia, or relocate it to a less sensitive location," she added.

"But there is no way I can do such a thing, as the flag of Saudi Arabia is entirely part of the G20, just like any other candy of this Candy Nations show."

The exhibit will be relocated to JFK International Airport.