How to fix a fuel filter?

So I have a 1985 Honda Elite 80 CH80 scooter. I have been going through and replacing everything. About a week ago, I went online to a trusted site and bought a new fuel filter for it. The filter said that it was a universal part for the specific 1985 Honda Elite 80 CH80 scooter. It just arrived, and doesn't fit into the tube/hose. It is a 1/4 filter, and I can't find anything smaller.

It did say that the filter was a universal part for the exact model of scooter. Is there anything that I can do to make it fit even though it's too big (that would be safe to do of course? Or do I have to find something smaller and buy that?

Any suggestions would help!

Try dipping the fuel line in boiling water before you put the filter in.