Being honest enough, and humble enough to make amends should be done when it's right to do, regardless of the steps. I don't have to wait to get to steps 8 and 9 before saying I'm sorry and making some changes. The way some people believe in working the steps(or not)that could take months or years.
I have to remember that when I make amends, it's a process of cleaning me out. It's a way of setting myself free. If the other person doesn't accept the amend, it's not my problem. My duty is to give an amend where or when it's due. If the other person decides to go off on some tirade, I sit and listen, thank them for the opportunity and leave. From then on, it's up to me to live up to that amend, making sure to never harm that person again. Just saying "sorry" doesn't cut it. I tell the person what I did, what I should have done, that I hope and pray I'll never do the same thing again. That's all I can do.