Why are the authorities in ';The Crucible'; unwilling to admit false accusations?

In Authur Miller's The Crucible, why are the judges and authorities reluctant to admit the witch accusations were all false even though they know they are? I know they are trying to save their reputation... but why else?Why are the authorities in ';The Crucible'; unwilling to admit false accusations?
Embarrassment. After all that, they were afraid to say they were wrong. Pax-CWhy are the authorities in ';The Crucible'; unwilling to admit false accusations?
It undermines the strength and credibility of the authorities. Admitting there were false charges also shows that resentments and disruptions within the community were not caused by Satan and witchcraft--this would undermine strong Puritan beliefs.