After Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) penned an op-ed on Friday blasting Rep. Steve King’s (R-IA) comments about white nationalism, Scott stopped short of calling King racist in an interview on Fox News and said the congressman should not resign.

“I don’t think he should resign. His voters have elected him. He has, without any question, the power of his office. I think what should happen, however, is he should take a step back from the damage he’s doing to the country and frankly to our party,” Scott told Fox News’ Neil Cavuto.

Cavuto followed up and asked Scott if King is racist.

“I don’t know him well enough to know what the intentions of his heart really are, to be honest with you. But I can tell you his comments are polarizing at least, and frankly I find them offensive,” Scott replied.

Later in the interview, Cavuto asked how Republicans should address King’s statements if he won’t step down. Scott did not have a solution in mind.

“I don’t know how we play that out. Frankly, people have the right to say what they want to say. We have the right to respond to what they say. His voters elected him, and I have to respect the fact that the voters saw something beyond his comments that was worthy of public service,” Scott told Cavuto.