Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to veterans after a report issued by her department said troops returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were at risk for being recruited by right-wing extremists.

“To the extent veterans read it as an accusation — and apology is owed,” she said in an on-air interview on FOX News Thursday, a day after veterans’ groups and members of Congress blasted her for the report, which they said libeled members of the armed forces.

“The last thing I want to do is offend or castigate all veterans. To the contrary, let’s meet and clear the air,” she said.