Michael Johnson celebrates winning the men's 200 meter event during the Olympic Games on Aug. 1, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia. (David Madison/Getty Images)
"Apology starting with ‘If I offended anyone’ is no apology. But this is Tiger. Never been a leader and he’s Teflon," Johnson wrote Friday on Twitter. "Still heralded after all the mistakes so he’s learned nothing. Media focus always on miraculous recovery. Never why the need for recovery."
Woods handed the tampon to Thomas after he outdrove him on one hole in the first round of the tournament. Thomas laughed at what Woods called a "prank," but Woods noted that many haven't taken it lightly.
Tiger Woods during the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on Feb. 19, 2023, in Pacific Palisades, California. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
"It was supposed to be a funny game, but obviously it hasn't turned out that way," Woods said. "If I offend anybody, it was not the case. It was just friends having fun."
Woods added: "If I offend anybody in any way, shape, or form, I'm sorry. It was not intended to be that way. We play pranks on one another all the time. Virally, I think this did not come across that way, but between us, it's different."
Woods and Thomas have grown close since the latter became a pro. They were paired together during the 2019 Presidents Cup, winning both of their team matches.
Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas walk off the ninth tee during the Genesis Invitational on Feb. 16, 2023. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The Genesis Invitational is Woods' first tournament since The Open Championship last July.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.