This kinda reminds me of scientists and the Big Bang theory.
They used to call anyone who questioned it a kook and a Neanderthal.
Now they are backtracking and saying “We always said it was just a theory. There are other theories as well.”
Dirtbags.
It is significant when anyone within the academic or scientific priesthood is forced to backtrack on something they said or wrote previously. These types will generally defend an untenable position like a wolverine defending a kill. The line “We never said that was a certainty” is the biggest @$$ cover maneuver in their playbook.
99% of scientists are still psychologically followers just like 99% of the regular population. They may give lip service to being critical, but they long to follow consensus and stay safely nestled in the middle of the herd. That’s why they always heckle and jeer at the 1% of scientists who do question the consensus and do real science.