Elon Musk (Sort of) Apologizes for Trashing Apple

Elon Musk appears to be rolling back his criticism of Apple after he dissed them as the “Tesla Graveyard.”

In an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, Tesla CEO Musk scoffed at the idea that Apple could make a car to compete with his own company’s models, and mocked the iPhone-maker for hiring his cast-offs. “They have hired people we’ve fired,” he said. “We always jokingly call Apple the ‘Tesla Graveyard.’ If you don’t make it at Tesla, you go work at Apple. I’m not kidding.”

He also didn’t seem to take the idea of an Apple car seriously, pointing to the mixed success of the Apple watch. “Did you ever take a look at the Apple Watch?” he said. “No, seriously: It’s good that Apple is moving and investing in this direction. But cars are very complex compared to phones or smartwatches.”

But Musk rolled back his comments on Twitter Friday, giving Apple some (slightly measured) praise.

But the pseudo-apology didn’t go over well with everyone.

See the Coolest Features of Tesla's Newest Car

The Tesla Model X was released on Sept. 30, 2015. It's the company's first SUV.

Tesla/EPA

The Model X's Falcon Wing doors allow for easy access to the second and third row seats.

Justin Sullivan—Getty Images

Electric batteries allow the Model X to drive up to 250 miles on a single charge. The P90D model can go 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Tesla/EPA

Expansive trunk space allows for a bicycle to fit in the back and two golf bags in the front trunk where the engine on a gasoline car would be.

David Dewhurst—Tesla

Most Model X settings are changed via touchscreen controls. An optional 'bioweapon defense mode' activates a hospital-grade filtration system.

David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty Images

A hitch in the back allows the car to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Justin Sullivan—Getty Images

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Write to Charlotte Alter at charlotte.alter@time.com.