Indiana governor Mike Pence on Sunday defended the new state law that's garnered widespread criticism over concerns it could foster discrimination and said Sunday it had not been a mistake to enact it.

Pence appeared on ABC to discuss the measure he signed last week prohibiting state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.

Since the Republican signed the bill into law Thursday, Indiana has been widely criticized by businesses and organizations around the nation, as well as on social media with the hashtag #boycottindiana. Already, consumer review service Angie's List has said it will suspend a planned expansion in Indianapolis because of the new law.