Gov. Chris Christie apologized yesterday for a remark about civil rights but said he's not sorry for using the word "numbnuts" to describe a lawmaker who compared him to segregationist Southern governors.

The governor spoke last night during TownSquare Media's "Ask the Governor" program on New Jersey 101.5 FM.

He apologized to anyone offended by his comment that people in the civil rights struggle would have been happier to have the matter settled by public vote rather than by dying in the streets. He was comparing civil rights to the fight for gay marriage.

Christie didn't back down from calling Democratic Assemblyman Reed Gusciora "numbnuts" after the lawmaker compared him to former Govs. George Wallace and Lester Maddox. Christie says his late mother used the term.

NJ buzzing over Gov. Christie's 'numbnuts' comment Christie has choice words for lawmaker over gay marriage policy