So they're walking back the tiny bit of freedom they offered the slaves regarding the dress code? It looks suspiciously like they announced the dress code freedom to prove publicly that they don't exercise any control over the flock, but in private the elders are to exercise something like the old policy. Then Bethel can resort to their usual "We can't be held responsible for the actions of a few overly zealous BOEs!" trick.
Of course, if they pull that sleight of hand trick often enough, perhaps governments and courts will start to ask them why they don't abolish the elder arrangement.
The WT probably doesn't care, they've been around a long time and are used to playing a long game*. Their trouble is, the same applies for most governments. The longer the WT keeps playing stupid games, the sooner they'll start winning stupid prizes.
*Despite the constant refrain of the end being imminent.