Hailey Bieber Was Not Dissing Selena Gomez in WSJ Profile

Hailey Bieber didn’t actually throw shade at Selena Gomez in the cover story for WSJ. Magazine … ’cause we’ve learned she was talking about Sephora brands, not the singer-actress.

Here’s the deal … during an interview with the outlet, Hailey said, “I think there is space for everybody. I don’t feel competitive with people that I’m not inspired by.”

Many fans online — and, admittedly, TMZ as well — thought she was shading Gomez by calling her uninspiring … but, our sources say that’s not the truth in any way, shape or form.

Sources connected to Hailey tell TMZ … what she said was in reference to other skincare brands — not a particular person.

The context is right there in the article … with the reporter asking if Bieber feels competitive about having to stand up against other Sephora brands — and, she replied with the above quote.

Our sources note she did talk about Selena in the article … but only to discuss the rivalry social media has forced on them — she once again denied any beef between them.

As we’ve said …. fans have criticized HB in the past for hating on SG, often doing exactly this — making mountains out of mole hills that just aren’t there.