Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) on Thursday took back her words but stopped short of an apology for saying Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) is giving women "the back of his hand," and still insisted that Walker is promoting policies that are "bad for Wisconsin women."

"I shouldn't have used the words I used," Wasserman Schultz said. "But that shouldn't detract from the broader point that I was making that Scott Walker's policies have been bad for Wisconsin women, whether it's mandating ultrasounds, repealing an equal pay law, or rejecting federal funding for preventative health care, Walker's record speaks for itself."

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said she should not have used tough words against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, but said nonetheless that Walker pursues anti-woman policies. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

"As for the issue of domestic violence, it's unacceptable that a majority of congressional Republicans opposed this critical legislation, of which I was a proud cosponsor, after blocking its reauthorization for more than a year," she added. She did not offer any apology in her short statement.

Wasserman Schultz on Wednesday compared Walker's policies with violent acts against women, such as slapping them and pulling their hair.

"Scott Walker has given women the back of his hand," she said. "I know that is stark. I know that is direct. I know that is reality."

She also said Republicans like Walker are "grabbing us by the hair and pulling us back."