New York: Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik all but admitted having affairs with two women, as the fallout from his failed bid to become homeland security czar continued to explode yesterday.

The women – publishing tycoon Judith Regan and Correction Officer Jeanette Pinero – were simultaneously involved in extramarital affairs with Kerik, sources told the Daily News.

In the harrowing weeks after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Kerik romanced both women at a secret Battery Park City apartment, according to the sources, who have intimate knowledge of the liaisons.

As the women kept silent yesterday, Kerik held an impromptu press conference outside the Times Square offices of his friend and business partner Rudy Giuliani.

Wearing a Yankees cap, Kerik, 49, acknowledged “very close” relationships with both women.

“We had a very close relationship,” Kerik said of Pinero. “She is someone who worked for the Department of Correction. I’ve been friends with her ever since. During the time of that relationship, she was separated. I was not married.”

Kerik’s lawyer has told The News that Kerik’s “friendship” with Pinero ended in 1996. But the sources insisted the affair carried on through 2001.

“With regard to Judith Regan,” Kerik continued, “most of you know Judith Regan published my book. She was not only extremely professional, she was very close to me.

“We had a close relationship. I’m not going to get into the details of either of those. I think that’s my personal business.”

Kerik also insisted a federal lawsuit claiming he had punished a correction employee who crossed Pinero would be dismissed. The city last year settled a suit making similar claims for $250,000.

Regan, head of her own multimillion-dollar publishing and television empire, left town early yesterday on a planned business trip, sources close to her said. The trip kept the attractive 51-year-old mother of two away from the throngs of television cameras outside her office.

Pinero also was missing from her job yesterday, according to department sources, and was believed to be spending time with her husband of many years. He has vowed to stand by his wife.

Giuliani said only Kerik could answer questions about his personal relationships.

“I have confidence in Bernie,” the ex-mayor said.

In Washington, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Giuliani’s ill-advised sponsorship of Kerik for the post – which the former mayor apologized for on Sunday – would not affect his relationship with President Bush.

“The President views Mayor Giuliani as a very good friend,” McClellan said. “I know Mayor Giuliani has expressed his apologies, but I don’t think the President viewed that one was necessary.”

Kerik said the scandals surrounding his failed nomination have taken a toll on the family.

“It’s a difficult time,” he said. “You know, you want to attack me, attack me. Don’t attack my family.”

All this came after The News reported Kerik’s torrid affairs, his failure to report thousands of dollars in gifts during his years in office and his links to a construction company with alleged mob ties.

Asked about The News’ findings, Mayor Bloomberg suggested that Kerik could be facing renewed scrutiny.

Giuliani said he would talk to Kerik about his best man and brother working for an allegedly mob-connected company.

“Well, I think that’s something I’ll explore, you know, privately with Bernie,” Giuliani said.

Bloomberg, who briefly flirted with keeping Kerik as police commissioner before deciding on Raymond Kelly, was asked if he was happy with his choice.

“Happy is an understatement,” Bloomberg quipped, drawing an outburst of guffaws from reporters. “I chose the right guy.”