The respondent is entitled to a hearing on the merits if the respondent files a notice of defense within the time allowed and any such notice shall be deemed a specific denial of all parts of the complaint not expressly admitted. Failure to file a notice of defense within the time allowed constitutes a waiver of the respondent’s right to a hearing and to judicial review of any decision or order of the Commission, but the Commission may order a hearing. All affirmative defenses must be specifically stated and unless objection is stated in a notice of defense, all objections to the form of the notice and statement of reasons are waived.