Ashcroft did nothing. A Justice Department media type decided to hang a blue curtain in the hall used for press statements, so as to make a better TV background. That curtain happened to shroud a statue of Justice with a naked bosom. The press started the rumor that Ashcroft had wanted to cover the statue.
Go search Jay Nordlinger and Kathryn Jean Lopez's columns on National Review online for the story.
Actually, it'd be just fine for me if Ashcroft was uncomfortable being photographed with some bronze background boobs as "antlers"--you know how cute and clever a photographer can be. That's what I thought it was all about. ..
And if anyone grouses, reply--"You could always put a Democrat Thong on her, instead."