So, the angels, who had said what they had said, took refuge with the Throne. So, they have taken refuge with the Throne till the Day of Resurrection. A third group of traditions says that the said clause refers to Iblis and his hidden thought that he would not make obeisance to Adam and would not prostrate before him if asked to do so. There is no contradiction between these various explanations, because all the meanings may be inferred from the Qur nic verses. They are all true and based on fact.
Various traditions throw light on various facets of the same fact.
It was rather as an acknowledgement of Adam's superiority and a mercy of All h towards him. If Thou excusest me from prostrating before Adam, I would certainly worship Thee a worship no one would ever have worshipped Thee in a like manner.