Harsh criticism admitted by snowflakes (4)

I believe the answer is:

flak

'harsh criticism' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'admitted by snowflakes' is the wordplay.
'admitted by' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'FLAK' can be found hidden inside 'snowflakes'.

(Other definitions for flak that I've seen before include "Burst of abuse" , "Unfriendly criticism" , "Criticism (colloq.)" , "Anti-aircraft shells or adverse criticism" , "Brickbats" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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