During a Republican National Committee (RNC) meeting in Washington, chairman Reince Priebus urged GOP members to watch their "tone" when discussing and debating issues, POLITICO reported.
"I've said many times before that the policies and principles of our party are sound," Priebus said on Friday. "However, as we look to grow the ranks of our party, we must all be very conscious of the tone and choice of words we use to communicate those policies effectively."
Priebus' remarks come one day after former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee made controversial comments on women and contraception, though he did not specifically call him out at the meeting.
Huckabee received criticism for claiming Democrats take advantage of women by making them believe they cannot control their "libidos" at a luncheon on Thursday.
"If the Democrats want to insult the women of America by making them believe that they are helpless without Uncle Sugar coming in and providing for them a prescription each month for birth control because they cannot control their libido or reproductive system without the help of the government, so be it," Huckabee said.
Although a "rising stars town hall" was scheduled after Huckabee's speech -- featuring five prominent female Republicans -- most reports were too focused on covering Huckabee's remarks.
"We should set the standard for future RNCs - and also set an example for other Republicans," Priebus added. "We all know the GOP has to get out of our comfort zones and go to places we haven't been for a while and engage and welcome new voters."
"The RNC isn't going to put up with the same old ways," Priebus said. "We're going to set a new standard."
Sharon Day, co-chair of the RNC, spoke after Priebus finished his speech and discussed gathering the female vote.
"We're not a group to be outreached to," Day said. "We're 53 percent of the vote! ... If we as Republicans want to win elections, then we as a party need to start delivering women votes."
