"To address the criticism" means to respond to or deal with the negative feedback or objections that someone has expressed, usually by acknowledging it, providing an explanation, or taking action to rectify the issue. Full definition
But she hasn't directly addressed criticism of a program that is a cornerstone of her children's health campaign. (colorlines.com)
The conversation also addressed the criticism that this process fails to address major cost drivers, like pensions, and whether the analysis has been too political. (poozerpolitics.com)
On making the leap from indie films, the rarity of black female protagonists in YA, and addressing criticism about how her new movie portrays disability. (slate.com)