JET Mag to Fantasia Barrino -- We Just Didn't Like Your Photos

If Fantasia Barrino wanted a better picture of herself on the cover of JET Magazine, she should've given the magazine better pictures ... this according to JET magazine.

JET is defending its decision to use a 10 year old photo of Fantasia on the cover of this month's mag ... after Barrino TRASHED the cover on social media this week.

In her social media rant, Barrino says she's trying to separate herself from her old image and create a new look for herself ... and expected JET to work with her. After seeing the cover, Fantasia felt deceived ...and demanded a public apology.

But a rep for JET tells TMZ the mag has NOTHING to apologize for ... claiming the photo it used was deemed "most appropriate for JET's brand and reflective of the cover story sentiment. "

The rep says Fantasia's rep had sent over a series of pics she had hoped the mag would use, but editors felt Barrino's face was too obstructed and didn't meet the standards of a JET cover.

JET magazine says despite Fantasia's comments, it has no hard feelings toward the singer ... adding, "JET continues to root for Fantasia's success and encourages her fans to pick up the new issue."