BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Former U.S. astronaut Lisa Nowak, in her first public statement since she allegedly stalked Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman on Feb. 5 and used pepper spray against her in a Florida airport parking lot, apologized Friday.

"The past six months have been very difficult for me, my family and others close to me," Nowak said. "I know that it also must have been very hard for Colleen Shipman, and I would like her to know how very sorry I am about having frightened her in any way and about the subsequent public harassment that has besieged all of us."

Nowak said she has been "shocked and overwhelmed" at the media coverage and has received several media offers for interviews, which she has refused.

"I do not see any possible way that additional exposure will help anyone involved. Therefore at this time, I have no plans to further discuss this unfortunate episode in a public forum."

Her comments came after an hourslong pretrial hearing for motions filed by her attorney.

Nowak's lawyer contended Friday the Orlando, Florida, police officer who interviewed his client after an alleged assault on her rival did not properly tell Nowak her rights.

Lykkebak is asking the judge to throw out Nowak's statements to police and suppress evidence collected from her car.

He contends Nowak's car was searched without a warrant and without her permission, according to The Associated Press.

(Agencies)