A real apology is a skill. “Sorry you feel that way” is what people say before they’ve learned it.

Most people are never taught what an apology contains, so early attempts come out shaped like defense. Naming what you did, without the part about why it was reasonable, is harder than it sounds, and it is the whole thing. The version about how someone feels puts the problem back on them and lets you keep your position, which is why it lands so badly.

Next time you owe one, keep it to three parts. What you did, that it was on you, and what you will do differently. Leave out the explanation unless they ask for it.