Ted Cruz Issues 'Apology' to New Yorkers 'Let Down by Liberal Politicians' After 'New York Values' Swipe

— -- Ted Cruz has doubled down on his swipe at "New York values," issuing an "apology" to the "millions of New Yorkers who've been let down by liberal politicians."

Cruz drew fire when he said that Republican frontrunner embodied "New York values" during an interview with Howie Carr this week. At first he didn't elaborate, but at the Republican debate Thursday night, he said it meant “socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage, focus around money and the media."

Trump expressed his ire at the comments during the debate, calling it a "very insulting statement."

Outside of an event in Columbia, South Carolina Friday, Cruz refused to back down.

"You're right, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio," have asked me to apologize, Cruz said. "I apologize to the millions of New Yorkers who've been let down by liberal politicians."

Cruz also apologized to those "denied jobs because Gov. Cuomo won't allow fracking" and those who are "pro life and pro marriage and pro second amendment who were told by Gov. Cuomo they have no place in New York."

He also apologized to law enforcement, saying de Blasio stands instead with "looters and criminals."

Earlier Friday, de Blasio issued a statement saying he was "disgusted at the insult that Ted Cruz threw at this city, and its people."