I must have missed backing away from something.
The only evidence we have is that Saul was a Pharisee, there is no evidence to the contrary. Unless you want to contend that the whole thing is a fabrication, in which case there is really nothing to discuss with you.
He can say he's a pharisee all he wants. Talk is cheap. Most of his actions, as depicted in NT writings, confirm otherwise.
It's like trying to nail jello to the wall.