How do you handle readers not liking your main characters?

So I’ve finally released some of the more controversial chapters in my story, and my readers definitely had thoughts. Granted, my main characters are deliberately flawed, so I expected strong reactions but it got me thinking:

How do you feel when readers don’t like your characters? Do you get protective, like they’re your babies? Or are you more detached from them, like it’s just part of the process? Does the criticism ever feel personal, even when you’ve written them not to be liked? I’m curious to hear how other writers handle this