diff --git a/trousers.spec b/trousers.spec
index 11ca36e..835be4e 100644
--- a/trousers.spec
+++ b/trousers.spec
@@ -17,9 +17,12 @@ BuildRequires: make
 BuildRequires: libtool openssl-devel gettext-devel autoconf automake
 BuildRequires: systemd
 Requires(pre): shadow-utils
+# remove systemd dependency for flatpak builds
+%if ! 0%{?flatpak}
 Requires(post): systemd-units
 Requires(preun): systemd-units
 Requires(postun): systemd-units
+%endif
 Requires: %{name}-lib%{?_isa} = %{version}-%{release}
 
 %description