Updated

WASHINGTON -- The American commanding general in Afghanistan says he was surprised by President Hamid Karzai's recent criticism of U.S. military operations in his country, but denies he considered resigning.

Army Gen. David Petraeus told ABC News that Karzai's demand that the U.S. reduce the visibility and intensity of its military operations "was a surprise." Karzai had told The Washington Post it was time to reduce "the intrusiveness into the daily Afghan life."

Petraeus told interviewer George Stephanopoulos that he discussed Karzai's remarks with him a couple days after the interview and said Karzai responded that the remarks were a reiteration of statements he's made previously. Petraeus said he was reassured that he could continue to work with Karzai.