Former Vice President Joe Biden Wednesday addressed accusations, made by a number of women, that he touched them inappropriately, claiming his past conduct was merely an effort to connect on a personal level.

"Today, I want to talk about gestures of support and encouragement to women and some men, I've made them uncomfortable," Biden said in a video tweeted from his personal account. "In my career, I've always tried to make a human connection, that's my responsibility, I think. I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulders and say, 'You can do this.' Whether they're women, men, young, old, it's the way I've always been."


Biden suggested that criticism of his behavior could be explained by changing "social norms" but never directly apologized to the women who spoke out against him.

"The boundaries of personal space have been reset," the former vice president said.

"Social norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying. Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it," Biden tweeted.

[Related: Kirsten Gillibrand: Joe Biden will 'have to address' #MeToo allegations if he wants to run]