They may not have walked it back. Remember that they believe that they must follow Jehovah above all else, even if it means losing a job or even their lives. Breaking the law to 'keep the congregation spiritually clean' might be seen as the proper thing to do.
I do wonder how they would handle it- would they surreptitiously try to get the info from the accused, and see if they could get them to confess without explaining how they knew? Would they come right out and reveal what they knew, knowing it could cost the snitch a job (and prospects for future employment in the field)? Would the WTS dare to hold it up as a good example?