diff --git a/libexec/ftpd/ftpd.c b/libexec/ftpd/ftpd.c
index 27182de2639..9976967a9f0 100644
--- a/libexec/ftpd/ftpd.c
+++ b/libexec/ftpd/ftpd.c
@@ -2449,7 +2449,11 @@ delete(char *name)
 		}
 		goto done;
 	}
-	if ((guest && noguestmod) || unlink(name) < 0) {
+	if (guest && noguestmod) {
+		reply(550, "Operation not permitted");
+		return;
+	}
+	if (unlink(name) < 0) {
 		perror_reply(550, name);
 		return;
 	}