Apple's new policy of removing iPhone applications which feature photos of women in bathing suits and other scantily clad outfits has caused quite a stir in the tech community over the past few days. The story -- which we've been closely watching -- has been covered in The New York Times, the BBC and countless technology news sites.

Upon learning of Apple's new policy, we immediately reached out to Seattle's Phil Yerkes who happens to be the developer of the Hooters Calendar iPhone app. Yerkes tells us that the Hooters app -- a $1.99 puzzle game which features images of more than 50 women in bikinis -- is still active in the App Store.

"We haven't heard anything from Apple, so no news is good news," said Yerkes, who recently sold his mobile application startup Movaya to Digby but retained ownership of the Hooters app and other iPhone apps.

Because Hooters is a "trusted brand" and does not showcase pornographic images, Yerkes doesn't anticipate any problems. But asked about the decision by Apple to remove other applications which feature women in bikinis, Yerkes noted that "nothing that Apple does surprises me." Yerkes also said that the Sports Illustrated swimsuit application remains one of the most downloaded apps in the App Store.

In the description of the Hooters app, the company makes a point of noting that none of the women in the photos appear topless or nude.Yerkes also noted that the company self-imposed an age limit of 12 years or older, something he said Apple had to approve.

But even so, it appeared that other iPhone apps were being removed which showed women in lingerie or bathing suits. It is estimated that about 5,000 apps have been rmoved. The New York Times reports:

Among the victims of the purge was a game called SlideHer, a puzzle that challenged users to reassemble a photograph of a scantily clad actress. Another, Sexy Scratch Off, depicted a woman whose dress could be whisked away at the swipe of a finger, revealing her undergarments. Such programs often appeared on the store’s list of most-downloaded apps.

The SlideHer app is similar in concept to one of the games offered in the Hooters app.

Yerkes didn't seem too concerned about the situation, noting that the app saw an initial surge in downloads after its release. Now, it gets a "trickle," he said.

But other developers are steaming mad as Mobile Industry Review points out.

There’s an issue now. A massive problem. How sure can you be that your application won’t be removed for some weird and wonderful reason? What happens if Apple decides to move into the baby market by creating a series of products and services for mothers-with-babies? Does that mean that Apple would switch off the thousands of baby applications currently in the store?

TechCrunch's MG Siegler also is railing against Apple's new policy, pointing out the hypocrisy that some apps with scantily clad women are permitted while others are not. He writes:

Now, are some apps worse than others with regard to sexy content? Of course. But Apple has removed over 5,000 apps and counting under these new rules — surely some of those would likely be considered less offensive then the Playboy app. Further, this is creating the ultimate gray line when it comes to what is and what is not permissible in the App Store. For example, what if there’s a smaller publication also known for nude pictures that wants to make a lingerie app? Will Apple reject or accept that? Is there a certain circulation threshold one has to have to be considered “well-known” in Schiller’s words?

Related story: "Apple ban of 'sexy' apps leads to Android promotion from startup"