Despite removing some of the offending items, including books that teach children to be "non-binary," CEO Brian Cornell doubled down.

"I think those are just good business decisions, and it's the right thing for society, and it's the great thing for our brand," Cornell said.

The executive, whose company employs more than 450,000 workers in more than 1,900 locations nationwide, said that the company's strategy is aimed to cater to a diversifying customer base.

"The things we've done from a DE&I [diversity, equity, and inclusion] standpoint, it's adding value," Cornell said.

"It's helping us drive sales, it's building greater engagement with both our teams and our guests, and those are just the right things for our business today."