In an open letter to journalists in Iraq, Wolfowitz said he appreciated the risks many take in covering the war and that he prays for their safe return.

"I know that many journalists continue to go out each day -- in the most dangerous circumstances -- to bring us coverage of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan," Wolfowitz wrote in the letter provided by a Pentagon spokesman.

Wolfowitz noted that 34 journalists have died covering the war in Iraq and expressed his "sincerest thanks" for their work as well as "admiration for their courage."

"To each of you who have worked so hard and taken such risks to cover this story, I extend a heartfelt apology and hope you will accept it," the letter said.

In testimony at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, Wolfowitz criticized what he said was an inaccurate and unbalanced picture of the war being presented by the international media.

"Part of our problem is a lot of the press are afraid to travel very much, so they sit in Baghdad and they publish rumors. And rumors are plentiful," Wolfowitz told the panel.

"All media have some responsibility to try to present a balanced picture instead of always gravitating for the sensational," he said.

In his letter, Wolfowitz said his comments were meant to convey his frustration about the coverage of one particular story.