Absolute maximum ratings are typically derived according to HALT testing on a large sample of units to cover process variations. A single sample operating at room temperature for a few hours is a joke compared to that.
Why would you be willing to exceed the ratings if the manufacturer isn't?
Dropping some input voltage with an appropriate zener like Easy Peasy mentioned is an option, though it will increase dropout voltage. If that's not acceptable, then you'll likely need to use an external pass transistor.