A refugee sparked alarm in Nelson yesterday by approaching students in the street with offers to appear in a video.
Police were called to investigate the young man's "inappropriate" actions on Hampden Street.
But after speaking to him, officers today moved to reassure the community that he posed no risk to others.
He told police that he wanted to make a video as part of a course he is taking.
"The man's family has said he is mentally undeveloped, but he is now aware that his approaches were somewhat inappropriate," said local constable Tim Wincer.
Police are now concerned that the man has now been "victimised" by young people in his neighbourhood.
"He and his family are very upset by the way he has been portrayed in the media before police had the opportunity to establish the facts of the matter," Mr Wincer said.
There was no malice or harm intended by the young man and he had asked for the opportunity to apologise to anyone who had been upset by his actions, the constable said.
Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally said it was disappointing people had jumped to conclusions and made ill-informed judgements of the man.
"This is a vulnerable person who has come to Nelson as a refugee and I would ask the Nelson community to show him the support he requires," Mr Greally said.
"I am confident he intended no harm to the boys he spoke to and should be treated accordingly."