Scruffy professor scores with sockless look

Li Xiaowen gives lecture at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.

Web users have gotten their socks in a twist over an acclaimed scholar's choice of footwear and casual dress during a recent speech at a prestigious university.

Li Xiaowen shook up fashion-conscious netizens everywhere when the expert in geography and remote sensing was caught wearing traditional cloth shoes and no socks as he delivered a formal lecture at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.

Past photos of Li also revealed the sockless professor's penchant for the traditionally-made shoes and casual, loose-fitting attire.

Many news headlines dubbed the scientist a "janitor monk," a reference to the humbly dressed martial arts masters of Shaolin Temple as described in kung fu novels.

Most netizens applauded Li's laid back style.

"People with real talent care more about inner beauty," posted Sina Weibo user Zuojia. "People like him deserve respect."

Net user Li Dawei commented, "This is the right attitude to have in research. Well-dressed experts with no real talent should feel ashamed."

"He is confident because of his knowledge," wrote Jingxindeblog.

Some, however, found Li's attire a little too casual for a formal academic setting.

"He dresses a little too sloppy," posted Hemimi.

Shuqin_8664 commented, "He should take care of his appearance."