Sounds like the process for getting a permit to purchase a handgun is "may issue", rather than "shall issue". The gun grabbers, while they would prefer "no issue", like the former because it allows the corrupt police chiefs, sheriffs and other political types, to issue to the "right people", their friends and celebrities, while denying to the "wrong people", everyone else, unless the "wrong people" make a substantial campaign contribution to the proper politicians.
It sounds like Michigan's pistol permit system is a violation the state Constitution, which reads:
Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state. Article 1, sec. 6
Handguns are better for self defense than defense of the state, but can be used for either. A 12 gauge is useful in both contexts.
MI has been shall issue for permit to purchase and concealed carry since 2001. there must have been something substantial in the check they ran.