London (CNN) -- The Dean of London's historic St. Paul's Cathedral has resigned amid criticism of his handling of a large "Occupy" protest taking place on the church's doorstep.

The Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, who is in charge of the centuries-old cathedral, announced his decision on Monday, saying his position was "becoming untenable" following weeks of debate over the demonstrations.

St. Paul's has come under fire after it said Friday it would take legal action to try to remove around 200 tents from the square outside its main entrance.