If you received an iwatch series 6 as a gift but you don’t like the band, can you exchange for a different band without returning the watch?

I just spent an hour on the phone with Apple the answer I was given was NO— they are not willing to work with you at all( I did talk with 2 nice ladies and one unhelpful man. I have the Black leather sports loop— defective and magnets will not keep band attached to band. I was willing to send the band back in original box- they would only swap the whole watch- which is a month wait. This is so stupid- very unwilling to help the customer. Also they sell the band separately, should not be an issue to swap it. They have already had an issue with one of the bands and sending out replacements. They said I could go to an Apple store and swap it—all of my stores are closed due to Covid, with nearest one in another state. Also no way to discuss this with the higher up person.

Not usually but call Apple and see if they will make an exception for you.