Subway is apologizing that its "Footlong" sandwiches fell short of expectations.

The world's largest fast-food chain faced widespread criticism last week after a man posted a photo online showing a "Footlong" next to a tape measure that showed it to be just 11 inches. Subway said Friday that it's redoubling efforts to "ensure consistency and correct length" in all its sandwiches.

The company had already noted last week that bread length could vary when franchisees don't bake to its exact specifications and that it would reinforce policies to ensure consistency.

In a statement Friday, Subway expressed "regret" for "any instance where we did not fully deliver on our promise to our customers."

It declined to comment on lawsuit filed this week by two New Jersey men over the subs.