Refund sale price even though we paid full price?

We bought dresses for my sister in December and when we tried to return them today the Woolworths in Irene Mall today they said they will only give the discount price because we are late. This is however 7 days late because of some personal circumstance but they did before at least give WW voucher. Today the store manager is willing to refund sale price which is half of what the items cost. So my question is if we returned the items a week ago would you refund full price or only sale price?

The sale has been going on since January.

If you don't get back to us with a better solution I will take the matter to the Consumer Ombud to decide on how to proceed.