If that was actually the intent they could have avoided all the drama by adding broader language to the entire document allowing exceptions on a case by case basis for prohibited behaviors which occurred while the applicant was a victim of trafficking and coercion. This sounds a lot more like an excuse made after the fact to defend an indefensible decision.

I really hope someone in congress follows up on this and demands to know how many agents were hired with these behaviors on their record, and of those how many had been identified as victims of trafficking. Make them go on record with it.