(Chris Haston/NBC/AP Photo)

Katherine Heigl has earned a bit of a rep for being difficult to work with, but she defended herself recently against the notion.

"I certainly don't see myself as being difficult. I would never intend to be difficult," the 35-year-old actress said at a news conference on Sunday for her new TV show, according to the Associated Press. "If I've ever disappointed somebody, it was never intentional."

The "Grey's Anatomy" actress is returning to television this fall with the new series "State of Affairs," in which she plays a CIA attache who informs the president (played by Alfre Woodard) on high-level incidents around the world. Her mother and manager, Nancy Heigl, who has previously produced several of her daughter's films, is one of the series' executive producers.

In recent years, both mother and daughter have earned a reputation for being difficult on set.

"I don't think my mother sees herself as being difficult," Heigl said. "I think it's important to everybody to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully and kindly."

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When her mother was asked about her role on the show, Heigl interjected, "She bakes us cookies."

Nancy Heigl said she pitched the series with her daughter.

"I am her mother for sure, so of course I care about her interests," she said. "But I'm just learning about executive producing. I'm a newcomer to it."

NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke described Nancy Heigl as "someone with a strong opinion."

"There have been no problems," Salke said. "She's not been disruptive in any way."

Later, Katherine Heigl described the talk about her reputation as "awkward."

"I think I'm a joy to work with," she told AP with a laugh.