Updated: June 13, 6:09 p.m.

California GOP Senate nominee Carly Fiorina sought to pivot attention away from controversial comments she made about Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) and focus her campaign message on jobs and the economy Sunday.

“I regret this whole situation,” Fiorina said on “Fox News Sunday,” but she stopped short of offering an apology. “I gave people the opportunity to talk about something petty and superficial. This is a serious election about serious issues.”

An open microphone caught Fiorina making remarks about Boxer’s hairstyle, which the Republican quipped was “so yesterday,” as she prepared for an interview on a California TV station Wednesday.

On Sunday, Fiorina directed her comments to Boxer’s Congressional record, asserting that she promotes “out-of-control government spending.” Fiorina blasted Boxer’s support of last year’s economic stimulus package, which the Republican charged has not helped California workers at a time when the unemployment rate in the state hangs at 12.5 percent.

Fiorina also upheld comments she made during the GOP primary that individuals on the “no-fly” list should still be able to purchase guns, and she blasted Boxer for her criticism of Arizona’s recently approved immigration law.

Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co., cruised to victory in Tuesday’s GOP primary over two more moderate candidates. She maintained on Sunday that she was not tacking more to the center for the general election, and she noted during her Fox interview that she remains a political outsider.

Boxer is seeking a fourth term in the Senate.