In an address on the House floor Friday, King said he made a "freshman mistake" in agreeing to an interview with the Times. He didn't offer a direct apology for the comments, but said he regretted the "heartburn" for his district and Congress.

"One phrase in that long article has created an unnecessary controversy. That was my mistake," King said.

"I regret the heartburn that has poured forth upon this Congress and this country and especially in my state and in my congressional district," said King.

"I've never been anti-immigrant. I have been anti-illegal immigrant, and I remain that way," King said, while also making it clear that he rejects ideologies like white nationalism.

"I reject that ideology. I defend American civilization, which is an essential component of western civilization," King said.