Reversing a previous ban, King County Metro Transit said Thursday it will accept bus ads urging shoppers to "Buy American" and "Shop Locally."

Earlier this week, the bus agency had rejected the ads, citing a policy barring ads that take political viewpoints.

The ads read: "December is Buy American Month, Shop Locally, Join Seattle's TAPamerica.org." Leaders of the Seattle-based nonprofit were stunned when the county nixed that message as too political.

After The Seattle Times wrote about the flap Wednesday, King County was hammered with media attention and criticism over its decision.

On Thursday, the county reversed itself.

"Upon further review, the text of the ad does not express an opinion about a public issue, as prohibited by our policy, but rather is a promotion of the sale of goods. Therefore, we will allow it to run," Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond said in an emailed statement.

While happy with the county's reversal, TAP America founder Mark Bloome said, "we cannot comprehend how they came to the conclusion in the first place."

Despite the county's reversal, Bloome said he wasn't sure if TAP America will proceed with the Metro ads, citing unnamed other offers for free advertising the group has received in the wake of the controversy.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com. On Twitter @Jim_Brunner.