A method of converting a mechanical interface of a fiber optic connector to be compatible with a mechanical interface of a fiber optic adapter, the method comprising: providing the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including a connector housing having a first end defining a plug portion and a second end for coupling to a fiber optic cable, a ferrule assembly mounted to the plug portion of the connector housing, and a sealing member mounted around a circumference of the connector housing; providing a mechanical interface converter, the mechanical interface converter including a converter housing having a first end positioned opposite from a second end and a central passage for receiving the fiber optic connector, a coupling nut rotatably mounted on the converter housing for use in mechanically retaining the mechanical interface converter within a port of the fiber optic adapter, and a sealing member mounted around a circumference of the converter housing for providing an environmental seal between the fiber optic adapter and the converter housing when the mechanical interface converter is secured within the port of the fiber optic adapter, the converter housing defining an exterior circumferential groove that extends about the periphery of the converter housing, the sealing member being mounted in the circumferential groove, the first end of the converter housing having mechanical characteristics that are compatible with an internal shape of the port defined by the fiber optic adapter; inserting the fiber optic connector into the central passage of the converter housing of the mechanical interface converter through the second end of the converter housing; forming a seal between the connector housing of the fiber optic connector and a circumferential sealing surface defined by the central passage of the converter housing with the sealing member of the fiber optic connector. providing the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including a connector housing having a first end defining a plug portion and a second end for coupling to a fiber optic cable, a ferrule assembly mounted to the plug portion of the connector housing, and a sealing member mounted around a circumference of the connector housing; providing a mechanical interface converter, the mechanical interface converter including a converter housing having a first end positioned opposite from a second end and a central passage for receiving the fiber optic connector, a coupling nut rotatably mounted on the converter housing for use in mechanically retaining the mechanical interface converter within a port of the fiber optic adapter, and a sealing member mounted around a circumference of the converter housing for providing an environmental seal between the fiber optic adapter and the converter housing when the mechanical interface converter is secured within the port of the fiber optic adapter, the converter housing defining an exterior circumferential groove that extends about the periphery of the converter housing, the sealing member being mounted in the circumferential groove, the first end of the converter housing having mechanical characteristics that are compatible with an internal shape of the port defined by the fiber optic adapter; inserting the fiber optic connector into the central passage of the converter housing of the mechanical interface converter through the second end of the converter housing; forming a seal between the connector housing of the fiber optic connector and a circumferential sealing surface defined by the central passage of the converter housing with the sealing member of the fiber optic connector.