It can be removed by careful acid etchants. Key is to apply little at a time of 35% hydrochloric acid by dabbing for short time followed by dilution with water so that penetration to the underlying granite is minimized. It is a slow process, but can be accomplished if done carefully.
Thick surface coverage can be removed by careful chiseling prior to the acid etch. Sand blast is non-selective causing erosion of the exposed statue granite.