John Edwards has resigned as information commissioner following an investigation into his conduct.
The ICO said the investigation found that "his behaviour fell short of the conduct expected from a public official".
In a statement, Edwards said: “Since February of this year I have been the subject of an investigation. While I have not agreed with how that investigation has been conducted, I accept that my position has become untenable.
“From the time the investigation was launched, I have accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence.
“It is for this reason that I have decided it is appropriate that I resign from my position. I do not wish to be a distraction to the ICO’s important work.”
Responding to Edwards' comments, science secretary Liz Kendall said she had "seen evidence of the vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in his interactions with his staff" and that she was "extremely concerned that he continues to describe these incidents as misplaced humour, including on his social media post announcing his resignation".
"Such conduct does not belong in the workplace, least of all exhibited by the leader of an organisation," Kendall said.
"Multiple women shared testimony to the investigator on feeling offended, shocked and uncomfortable following interactions with Mr Edwards," the minister added. "I am deeply grateful to all who came forward to share their experiences as part of this investigation."
Edwards voluntarily stepped back from his duties on 26 February to enable the probe to take place. The ICO’s chief executive and deputy commissioner Paul Arnold has taken on Edwards’ responsibilities in his absence.
The ICO said last week that the independent workplace investigation into Edwards’ conduct had concluded and found there was “a case to answer” and that the next steps would be determined by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
In a statement confirming Edwards' resignation, the ICO said: "Mr Edwards had voluntarily stepped back from his duties at the end of February to enable an independent workplace investigation. Since then, the ICO’s board and executive team have continued to lead the ICO to deliver our work.
"The independent workplace investigation relating to Mr Edwards reached findings for DSIT to consider. The investigation concluded that there was a case to answer and made clear that his behaviour fell short of the conduct expected from a public official. At the ICO, these standards are captured in our Dignity at Work Policy, our Code of Conduct and through the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
"As set out in our statement on 10 June, the board and the executive team will continue to lead the ICO, aligned to the scheme of delegation, to ensure continuity in our leadership and regulatory work."