You see the same thing with most con-men (and women) when someone finally pulls back the curtain. Most won’t admit they were doing anything wrong even once they are in prison.

Near as I can tell, it’s the rationalizing part of the mind trying to protect them by trying to convince themselves and everyone else they are actually not bad.

It’s why it is so important to ignore what people say, and look at what they are doing and the results of their actions over time.