Bush's response (that I heard on the radio) was to say "I accept your apology". If true, it's classic, straight from the Simpsons. It means the reporter wasn't trying to insult Bush, but merely trying to bean him with a shoe.
For those who aren't early Simpsons fans, the reference is when Homer costs Apu his job, Apu shows up at Homer's house with arms outstretched and an angry look. Homer thinks he is going to be strangled but Apu explains "In my village this is the traditional pose of apology." Later, Homer uses up Apu's three allowed questions with "Are you _really_ the head of the Kwik-E-Mart?", "Really", and "You?" so Apu doesn't get to ask for his job back. At that point:
Homer: Well, _that_ was a big bust. Is he _really_ the head of the Kwik-E-Mart? Apu: [growls, reaches towards Homer] Homer: No need to apologize, Apu: it was as much my fault as it was yours. Apu: [grabs Homer by the throat and squeezes] Homer: OK, Apu: I accept your apology!