Silence in the absence of Truth is a lie.

A quick admission and a very sincere apology are ALWAYS the least damaging, but then you think you can get away with it, except you seldom can.  It is a life lesson for every liar since we have all lied at some point.

Self-defined lack of integrity through silence is now louder than any apology he could ever hope to make. He is now persona non-grata.