Sounding rude, issued heartfelt apology in the style of Priti Patel (9)

I believe the answer is:

regretted

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'sounding' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can occasionally define each other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for regretted that I've seen before include "Felt remorse for" , "Felt sorry" , "Felt contrite about" , "Rued" , "Lamented" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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