The Hong Kong protests have been so well-publicised that anyone who stands out may gain international recognition overnight.

Like this granny:

Or this lady in red at the airport:

Or the woman in a police vest and helmet:

After being spotted on an Apple Daily livestream video, this woman attracted a lot of attention from her newfound online fans, in Hong Kong as well as around the world.

And after some Internet sleuthing, she gained thousands of new Instagram fans -- up to a total of nearly 40,000 -- before setting her account to private.

Getting brickbats from detractors

However, it seems like she's been tussling with a few of these new "fans", some of whom have left critical comments on her Instagram photos.

In an Instagram story she shared on Aug. 23, the woman said (translated):

"I'm not a public figure, nor am I a famous person. Do you guys have the right to harass me like this? Since it’s impossible to please everyone in the world, why not be brave and just be myself."

Apparently one follower didn't get the message, and said this in reply to her message:

"There are so many good looking police women, you should reflect on yourself! Law enforcers like you should refrain (from such behaviour)."

To which she replied (translated):

"You’re the one who’s intruding into my privacy and you still have to cheek to tell me off? Have I told you that I’m a police officer on IG?

You’re shameless enough to flip through my pictures. Even if I’m a cop, why can’t I wear a bikini? Why can’t I wear a tank top when my boobs are big?"

And to top it off, she added (in the purple text):

"You’re the one who should reflect on yourself."

Word.

Related story:

Top image from Instagram.