In Thursday night's Republican debate, Tommy Thompson appeared to endorse the right of employers to discriminate against gay employees, but the former Wisconsin Governor was backpedaling within 12 hours.

Thompson was asked Thursday night, "If a private employer believes homosexuality is immoral, should he be allowed to fire a gay worker?"

Thompson said he "really, sincerely believe(s) that that is an issue that business people have to make their own determination over whether or not they (gay employees) should be (fired)."

"So the answer is yes?" moderator John Harris asked. "Yes," Thompson replied.

Friday morning saw Thompson in full mea culpa mode, as he repeatedly insisted he "made a mistake" and "didn't hear the question properly" appearing on CNN. Host John Roberts informed Thompson that discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal in 15 states, the District of Columbia and 180 cities and counties.

"I misinterpreted the question," Thompson insisted. "I thought that I answered it yes when I should have answered it no. I didn't hear it. I didn't hear the question properly and I apologized. It's not my position and there should be no discrimination in the work place and I believe that."

The following video clips are from MSNBC's GOP Debate and CNN's American Morning.