WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is opening the door to the possibility of a resumption of White House tours, at least for student groups, amid some confusion over who made the ultimate decision to cancel them.

The decision has been much criticized by Republicans who say it should remain open to the public and some expectant visitors who were planning to see inside the White House during the spring break travel season.

Obama says in an interview with ABC News aired Wednesday that the decision to cancel the tours in the wake of budget cuts was made by the Secret Service, citing the need to furlough some employees. "This was not a decision that went up to the White House," Obama said.