New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has broken with other potential 2016 Republican contenders over an Indiana law that gives heightened protections to businesses or people who object to providing certain services on religious grounds.

Christie told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday there shouldn't be a situation in which people perceive anybody would be denied service for discriminatory reasons. But he strongly defended Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who signed the law last week.

Christie says Pence has nothing but love in his heart for people and says he believes his colleague will make any needed changes.

Critics say the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is intended to discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Pence says that wasn't his intention. He has called on state lawmakers to amend the law by the end of the week.