This sounds bizarre to me. If Apple feels so strongly about this position then why is there any position for discussion on this matter at all?

For example, my employer is strictly a work from office company. I disagree with that position but they were always clear about this at all times: safety permitting employees will return to the office. Never was there any confusion. You can talk about this all you want and disagree about it but the employers position is still clear and everybody knew this at all times.