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.
(..) Warmest person ever. Oh, look at that. I've been impaled. What now? It's too steep. I've only got one rope, And you don't know how to climb mountains. Says who? What are you doing? I'm going to see my sister. You're going to kill yourself. I wouldn't put my foot there. (..)2013 Frozen