Australian PM Anthony Albanese and popstar Kylie MinogueAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an "unequivocal" apology after his comments about pop icon Kylie Minogue during a comedy podcast sparked a political storm and accusations of sexism.The controversy stems from Albanese's appearance on comedian Nikki Osborne's Bush Deep podcast, where he was asked to play a version of the "shag, marry, date" game involving Australian celebrities Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore.Initially trying to dodge the question, Albanese, who married partner Jodie Haydon last year, replied: "I've just got married, I'm only six months in." However, after Osborne persisted, he answered, "Oh, Kylie, clearly."When Osborne followed up by asking if he would "marry Kylie, s*** her and date her", Albanese responded: "All of the above. She's terrific."PM issues brief apology after backlashFacing mounting criticism, Albanese released a short statement through his office on Monday, saying: "I apologise unequivocally for the comments."The interview, recorded at the prime minister's official residence in Canberra and released last week, also included several personal questions from Osborne, who describes herself as a "wildly inappropriate journalist" known for asking unconventional questions.As of Monday, Kylie Minogue had not publicly responded to the controversy.Opposition leaders call remarks inappropriateThe comments drew sharp criticism from opposition politicians and independent MPs, who argued they were unbecoming of Australia's highest elected office.Independent MP Zali Steggall described Albanese's participation as "entirely inappropriate", saying the prime minister "needs to learn to push back, lead by example and call it out as sexist."Opposition senator Sarah Henderson accused Albanese of making comments that were "disrespectful to women, embarrassing to Australians and demean the office of Prime Minister."Another opposition senator, Maria Kovacic, called the episode "a pretty poor error in judgment," saying national leaders should be focused on more important issues.Government colleagues defend AlbaneseDeputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Albanese, pointing to the government's record on gender equality.Speaking to ABC Radio, Marles said Albanese leads Australia's first federal government with near-equal representation of men and women in Cabinet, adding that the government remains "utterly committed" to advancing women in society.Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek also sought to downplay the controversy, saying that if Albanese was expressing admiration for Minogue, "that puts him in a group with millions of other Australians."The controversy comes weeks after Albanese himself condemned attacks targeting a female political leader, saying it was "completely unacceptable to demean, objectify, belittle or offend women."