TSA Administrator John Pistole back-tracked Sunday afternoon on statements he made only a few hours earlier, conceding that some of the new airport security procedures will be “adapted as conditions warrant.”

Pistole stated unequivocally Sunday morning during CNN’s State of the Union that the procedures would not be changing despite widespread criticism of them this week.

“No, we're not changing the policies, because of that, because of the risks that are” there, he said.

But he had changed his tune by the afternoon, saying in a statement originally reported by Politico that the new procedures have been “viewed as an evolving program.”

“In all such security programs, especially those that are applied nationwide, there is a continual process of refinement and adjustment to ensure that best practices are applied and that feedback and comment from the traveling public is taken into account,” Pistole said in a statement released to National Journal. “This has always been viewed as an evolving program that will be adapted as conditions warrant, and we greatly appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the American people.”

In his earlier CNN appearance, Pistole stressed that TSA is attuned to concerns about the new security measures, which include either body scans or enhances pat-downs, and agreed the new procedures are more invasive than before. But whether the new guidelines are over the line is the in eye of the beholder, he said.

“I think it really comes down to the person,” Pistole told CNN. “I've talked to a number of people who said, hey, this is exactly what we need to be doing; it is thorough, and that's what I want; I want thoroughness when I have -- when I get on a plane, to know everybody has been screened properly.”

Pistole’s statement clarifies an apparent difference between his remarks and those made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said Sunday morning that some changes could be made to reduce the number of people subject to the new provisions.

“Clearly, as Secretary Napolitano has said, we’re doing this because the terrorists keep getting more creative about what they do to hide explosives and, you know, crazy things like underwear,” said Clinton. “So clearly, there is a need. Now if there is a way to limit the number of people who are going to be put through surveillance, that’s something that I’m sure can be considered.

“But everybody is trying to do the right thing, "Clinton added, "and I understand how difficult it is, and how offensive it must be for the people who are going through it.”