Qatar said on Friday that those responsible for invasive gynecological searches of passengers at Doha airport had been referred for prosecution over the "violations" following widespread outrage. Women on 10 Qatar Airways flights out of Doha were subject to the examinations as authorities searched for the mother of a newborn baby found abandoned in an airport bathroom on October 2. "Those responsible for these violations and illegal actions have been referred to the Public Prosecution Office," the government said in a statement. "The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior expressed the Government of the State of Qatars sincerest apology for what some female travelers went through as a result of the measures." The incident has caused diplomatic tensions with Australia, Britain and New Zealand which intensified when authorities initially declined to apologize, leading to an online backlash against the airline. New Zealand was the latest to raise concerns, saying late Thursday that one of its citizens was among the women subjected to the invasive examinations. "We were extremely concerned to learn... that a New Zealand national was involved in the appalling incident involving female passengers on several Qatar Airways flights," its foreign ministry said in a statement. It labelled the action "completely unacceptable.” The incident only came to light this week after affected Australian passengers spoke out. Australia has since said 13 of its citizens had to endure the "appalling" examinations, Britain said it is providing support for two women, and AFP has learned a French woman was also affected. Qatar said the baby girl -- who survived -- was wrapped in plastic and left to die in a bathroom rubbish bin.