The remarks were made when images of two young women supporters with their hands in the air were flashed on TV screens during the match.
De Villiers commented that if they were in Portugal, one would see only black under their arms, suggesting that Portuguese women had hygiene issues.
De Villier's employer SuperSport confirmed that he may face disciplinary steps for making unsavoury remarks on air during the first Test here on Friday.
Some said they would also lodge complaints with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa, which administers a Code of Conduct that precludes any form of discrimination, including any remarks based on race or gender.
SuperSport spokesman Clinton van der Berg told the Afrikaans daily Beeld that the broadcaster was aware of complaints against de Villiers.
Van den Berg said SuperSport apologised unconditionally for the "objectionable" remarks made by de Villiers.
"We are taking the matter up seriously and disciplinary steps will possibly be taken against Fanie," he said, adding that SuperSport does not tolerate any form of discrimination.
He said that he was not scheduled to do commentary in the second Test in any case.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
