[aquila48]

He DID recant his “heresies” - and he still got canned.

[ClearCase_guy]

I wish people would figure that out. Once the machine starts moving, you CANNOT placate it. You are going to be canned.

Apologize if you think you are wrong and your enemies are right. If that is the truth, as you see it, then state the truth: "I was a fool, but now I've been re-educated."

OR

Hold your original position if you think you were right. If that is the truth, as you see it, then state the truth: "My enemies are a destructive force, and people ought to say so. I'm saying so."

But you cannot grovel and hope to come out ahead. Abject apology means you lose twice. Standing up for yourself means you lose only once.
The only question: How big of a loser do you want to be?