CBS News chiefs suggested that top anchor Tony Dokoupil violated the network's standards of “neutrality and objectivity” after he pressed an anti-Israel activist on his controversial rhetoric.

CBS News executives said Monday that a heated morning show interview with acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates, during which his new book was compared to “extremist” writings, did not meet the network’s editorial standards.

During an interview on “CBS Mornings” to promote his new book last week, Coates faced fierce questioning — and accusations of extremism — from co-host Tony Dokoupil.