Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

I'm looking for anyone who might be able to help me with a legal question. I have a felony conviction for schedule VI controlled substance in 1989. I have had my full rights restored by the circuit court and applied for a handgun carry permit, but was denied. State law T.C.A. 39-17-1351(j)(3) states that a permit application shall not be denied for persons who have had their full rights restored, which I have. When I requested an explanation, they simply sent another letter stating that they do not except restoration of rights after 07/01/08. I have searched every law and court ruling I can find relating to handgun permits, but can find no mention of their statement anywhere. Does anyone out there know what they are talking about ? Any help would be most appreciated as I have filed a petition to appeal and have a court date on Nov. 6th.