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The celebrity chef reportedly went on the offensive after representatives for the supermarket refused to take part in a debate about selling battery-farmed eggs and chickens.
However, Oliver, who is paid £1.2 million per year to appear in the Sainsbury's TV advertisements, has now insisted that his comments were taken out of context.
As well as apologising to 150,000 staff members, he also wrote to the supermarket's chief executive Justin King.
"It was great to talk to you this morning though I wish it was in different circumstances," the letter to King said. "I am happy to confirm what I have said on several occasions: that Sainsbury's has the most to be proud of on this important animal welfare issue.
"I would not have continued working with Sainsbury's for so many years if I did not believe that you were showing real leadership."
Mr. King insisted that he had not put pressure on Oliver to distance himself from the remarks.
