Gabby Douglas Apologizes For USA National Anthem

Team USA gymnastics superstar Gabby Douglas says she never meant any disrespect by not placing her hand over her heart during the national anthem Tuesday ... saying, "I apologize if I offended anyone."

Douglas took some heat following the team's gold medal victory in the All-Around competition -- when she stood next to teammates Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian ... but didn't put her hand over her heart.

It didn't take long for Gabby to head to Twitter to explain herself ...

"In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played," Douglas wrote.

"I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I'm so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country."