In a series of videos posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, Qu Jing from Baidu said she had no responsibility for employees’ well-being as she was “not your mother”.

She also threatened revenge against underlings who complained about her management, adding: “I can make it impossible for you to find a job in this industry with just a short essay.”

But Qu Jing has now admitted her now-deleted remarks had attracted “very pertinent” criticism.

She added on WeChat: “I deeply reflect on and humbly accept them.”

Qu Jing also stressed her comments did not represent Baidu’s take on work and that she had not sought the company’s consent before they were published.

She added: “I apologise that the inappropriate videos led to the public’s misunderstanding of my company’s values and corporate culture.

“I will learn from my mistakes and improve the way I communicate, and care more for my colleagues.”

In a previous online video, Qu Jing claimed to be so caught up in her work that she does not know which grade her son was in – while another saw her state: “If you work in public relations, don’t expect weekends off. Keep your phone on 24 hours a day, always ready to respond.”

The backlash to her most recent remarks highlights the notoriously poor work-life balance in China.

Jack Ma who founded Chinese tech giant Alibaba infamously declared it was a “blessing” for staff to belong to the “996 work culture” – where they work 9am to 9pm, six days a week.