COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday he has no regrets about his confrontation with a New Jersey protester whom he told to “sit down and shut up.”

“If you give respect, you get that back, if you don’t give respect, you know, I’m going to take you out on it. And that’s just how it goes.”

“If you give respect, you get that back, if you don’t give respect, you know, I’m going to take you out on it. And that’s just how it goes,” Christie said of the encounter.

Asked if he’d continue such confrontations if he were elected president, Christie said, “This is the way I am, this is how I’ve conducted myself as governor, I think people in my state like it and I make no apologies for it.”

The defiance is in line with Christie’s trademark style – a style that’s earned him criticism from Democrats, who say he’s a bully, as well as many Republicans who haven’t warmed to the governor either. Christie made the comments during an interview with msnbc in Colorado after a campaign event with GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez. He was interrupted by a heckler on Wednesday during an event marking the second anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.

“Do your job!” the protestor, Jim Keady, yelled at Christie.

“Sit down and shut up!” Christie said back.

Asked directly on Thursday if he had any regrets about the incident, Christie replied, “No.”