I cannot rest, Ellen, 'she said, by way of apology.

“我睡不着，艾伦，”她说，算是道歉。

youdao

He said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could.

他歉然说道，要是能会见他们，他早就这么做了。

youdao

"If there are any young folk, and you're confused about what these swearwords are, you can ask your parents later, " he said by way of apology for his bad language.

BBC: Robbie Williams

As the interview ended, she put a consoling arm on my elbow, almost by way of an apology although Margaret Thatcher was not a politician who said sorry much.

BBC: An hour with Maggie; Thatcher and Wales