Elton John's Hubby Issues Non-Apology to Madonna

Elton John's husband is kinda, sorta backing off his anti-Madonna campaign ... issuing a quasi-explanation for trashing the singer after the Golden Globes ... but not exactly apologizing.

David Furnish -- who called Madge "desperate" and narcissistic when she beat out Elton for Best Original Song -- went back to his Facebook page today and wrote, "Wow! What a tempest in a teapot. My passion for our film 'Gnomeo & Juliet' and belief in Elton's song really got my emotional juices going."

He added, "But I must say for the record that I do believe Madonna is a great artist, and that Elton and I wish her all the best for next week's premiere of the film 'W.E.'"

Suuuuuure.