The expression "fig leaf" is widely used figuratively to convey the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance, a metaphorical reference ...

What does fig leaf mean?

fig leaf noun [C usually singular] (FALSE)

something that hides something else, especially something that is dishonest or embarrassing: The spokesperson said the information campaign was a fig leaf to hide the most regressive tax in history.

What is the fig leaf approach?

something intended to conceal what may be considered indecorous or indecent: to approach the facts of life with the fig leaves of roundabout expressions.