Can't add one of the CNAME records because A record already uses the host name

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to verify a dedicated sending domain. I created the subdomain “email.website.com” 

In order to get the dedicated sending domain verified, I need to add a CNAME that uses “email” as the hostname. When I go to create this in the DNS manager, I get the error that an A record already exists using “email” as the host name, and that I may not mix CNAME records with other records for the same name.

Has anyone else run into this problem before? If so, is there a way around it? 

I’m using cPanel and Hostgator

Thanks!