Hilary Duff felt flattered to be invited to pose for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

The 38-year-old pop star admitted that posing for the well-known magazine was initially "scary" - but Hilary ultimately relished the opportunity, describing it as an "incredibly empowering" experience.

Hilary told Sports Illustrated: "I'm a mom of four, and I'm not a spring chicken. So, of course, it was flattering.

"I don't typically frolic around in a bathing suit, so it was a little scary, but it was also incredibly empowering. It was a mostly female crew on set, and it really felt like a celebration of women."

Hilary also revealed that she's learned to appreciate her own body over time.

The pop star said: "I can look at my body now and appreciate all the things it has done for me.

"I no longer find that I am constantly comparing myself--and that is a better place to exist."

Hilary admitted, too, that she's no longer the people-pleaser she used to be.

The singer explained: "Rather than just saying yes to everything, I think a lot more about what I am doing--I'm intentional about what I do.

"Whatever I do, I try to think, Does this feel authentic? Does it resonate with my life? The answers to those things are really important when deciding if I am going to spend my time on something.

"I no longer have to try things on for size or do things just because someone has asked me to. I do the things I want to do and I'm not afraid to be vocal about what does or doesn't work for me and it feels great."

Hilary released her comeback album, Luck... or Something, earlier this year. And the blonde beauty previously admitted that it was "scary" to return to the music business after an 11-year hiatus.

Hilary told Rolling Stone: "Everyone has a way to tell you how they feel about what you make, and that felt scary. I was like, 'Why would I subject myself to this? We have a happy life and amazing kids.' But obviously, I miss performing, and I desperately miss having that person be in the forefront."