ABJURE

to renounce or reject solemnly; to recant; to avoid

formerly reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

SYN - recant, retract

"It was a terrible sight seeing their leader abjure from his hardlined belief against the totalitarian regime. Such a heroic man, now, clearly under pressure, recanting and avoiding his long held stance."

"Now that it was no longer popular the demagogue would abjure when his anti-war activities where brought up."