"Misunderstanding..."

Might have a touch of credibility if he& #39;d added: "You see, I thought you& #39;d said...." And if he& #39;d not had so long to prepare for the meeting.

Dread to think what might have been said or done to get this retraction to happen.

Of course it is possible he did misunderstand what he was being asked, and that the only pressure on him was his own after realising his error.

Between this and the other versions we& #39;ve had of what supposedly happened, the last thing you are filled with is confidence.