His statement is seen as an attempt to 'climb down' [='back away'] from the strong denial he made yesterday.
a 'climbing plant' [=a plant that attaches itself to something, such as a wall, as it grows up it]
The players 'climbed' into their uniforms [=put on their uniforms] and headed for the field.
(..) - Hey! - That's him! - Which gives us what? - Sixty minutes. - Can they make that route in an hour? - They have to climb to the terrace. Then they need a new route, a more direct route. It's designed as a labyrinth. There must be access routes that cut through the maze. (..)2010 Inception