BOSTON -- A gym owner in Marblehead is fighting for the American flag, after receiving a handful of complaints about the one hanging prominently in his facility.

Marc Shea, owner of Gravity Fitness, said he received complaints ranging from the flag being a hindrance to airflow in the gym to Old Glory being as intrusive as a religious symbol.

One person wrote that the flag "really creates an unpleasant atmosphere," said Shea.

A gym employee told The Salem News that the flag blocked their view of a television, and that it was the only valid complaint.

Shea told the paper that he moved the flag, but that he won't take it down. He's even hung a sign thanking customers for their support of the flag, he said.

The conflict gained national attention after Shea called a local radio talk show Monday to tell them about the complaints, the paper reported.

The story was eventually picked up by blogs, and a few other media outlets, Shea said. He was expected to appear on Fox News' morning program "Fox & Friends" on Thursday.

Complaints have dropped off since he went public with the story, Shea said. A vast majority of his customers think it's fine he hung up the flag, he added.

Shea said the decision to hang the flag was prompted by its discovery in the back of a closet.

Residents in town offered their support of Shea's decision.

"I think it's a good addition to the gym. A great reminder of our historic legacy and our freedom and the men and women who fight for our freedom," Billye Robbins, told the paper.

As the story spreads, Shea has received phone calls from as far away as Los Angeles, he said. He added that a National Guardsman dropped by to honor him with a plaque for his support of the flag. Shea's also heard from military servicemen and their families, all expressing their support for him, he said.

Shea said he is glad he could stand up for the flag.