AUT is under fire for a class discussion about using clothes to prevent sexual assault.

Students claim a staff member allowed a discussion on designing ugly clothes that could discourage assault.

The university has accepted a discussion did take place.

Head of fashion and textile design Andreas Mikellis says the university does not promote violence or rape culture.

But he stands by what he calls the "robust discussion" of "critical issues" in class.

He says that includes talking about the "functionality and performance" of clothing.