Republican presidential candidate John Kasich backpedaled on his recent remarks about Hispanic Americans, which critics say were stereotypical and discriminatory.

During an interview on NBC's "Meet The Press" Sunday, host Chuck Todd asked the Ohio governor to elaborate on the comments he made about Latinos and a story he told about leaving "a little tip" for a Latina hotel maid. Kaisch had made the comments at a campaign event in Orange County, California on Thursday.

"A lot of them do jobs that they're willing to do, and that's why in the hotel, you leave a little tip," he told the crowd according to CNN.

"This lady wrote me in my hotel there in L.A. She wrote this note. It said, 'I really want you to know that I care about your stay.' Is that just the greatest thing?" Kasich said. "So, you know, we can learn a lot and she's Hispanic, 'cause I didn't know it at the time, but I met her in the hallway -- asked her if I could get a little more soap."

In response, Latino groups called the 2016 hopeful out for making an apparent generalization about Latinos.

Angelica Salis, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, said that Kasich's statements lack historical context and are limiting for Latinos.

"It's just a stereotype. It really speaks to the one-dimensional view that he has of who we are as Latinos in this country," she told CNN. "As Latinos, we participate in every single industry and aspect of society. And to be good to Latinos is to show respect to their entire contributions."

Salis, the daughter of a maid, continued, "While we are so proud to be working in the service industry, we're not just that -- agricultural workers and maids in hotels. There's pride in that. However, I think it just reflects the one-dimensional view of Latinos in America."

On the other hand, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce called his remarks "well-intentioned but extremely awkwardly phrased," reports MSNBC.

When asked about the remarks on "Meet The Press," the former congressman said that he believes Hispanics play an important role in America. The second-term governor also described his position on immigration reform as "very reasonable."

"I've always said that Hispanics are such a critical part of the fabric of the United States," Kasich said. "They occupy jobs from top to bottom. They're so critical to our country. They're God-fearing. And they're hard-working. And if I need to clarify what I meant by that, I'm glad to do it."