I really did not expect this from Apple. Perhaps I am too naive. It makes me think Apple is doing this as a sort of litmus test or as a way to force another issue:

- Government says Apple has to do it

- Apple announces they will do it

- Apple brand suffers immensely

- Apple cites suffering as a reason to not do it?

Seems like there would be a word/term/phrase for this kind of thing.

I'm so optimistic I'm hoping there is an ulterior motive here or some sort of outside coercion.