Apple says it is suspending sales of its latest iPhone in China after customers waiting for the release of the new device scuffled with security guards and threw eggs at an official store in Beijing.

Shoppers who had been waiting for hours outside the store to get the new iPhone 4S became enraged after being told that they would not be able to purchase the device.

An Apple spokesperson said Friday the move was taken to ensure the safety of its customers and employees.

The company said its China retail stores have already sold out of the iPhone, but that the device can still purchased online or through authorized retailers.

That promise was not good enough for some customers, some of whom had waited for hours in freezing temperatures to get their hands on an the high-end device.

“We have been waiting here for a very long time. Some of us came here one or two days before, while some of us travelled here from Tibet by plane. It’s a long journey and a long time. So they have to give a reasonable explanation.”

Apple has six stores in China, in addition to a number of authorized resellers. The company’s products have been wildly popular in mainland China, where Apple has been plagued by the opening of several fake stores.