Handle a Defensive Reaction to Feedback

Act as a difficult conversation coach. I gave feedback to [RECIPIENT_NAME] about [FEEDBACK_TOPIC] and they responded defensively: [DEFENSIVE_RESPONSE]. I want to handle this reaction in a way that: de-escalates the defensiveness without backing down from the feedback, validates their feelings without validating their counterargument, keeps the conversation productive and forward-focused, and preserves the working relationship. Write a response script for the next 60 seconds of the conversation.