Define 'declined to comment'

In Friday's story about actor Steven Seagal feeling burned by the Pellicano scandal, Chuck Philips of the Times reported that U.S. Attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek "declined to comment" on questions about his office's role. Funny thing about that is that Nikki Finke has an email that Mrozek sent Philips certainly seeming to comment.

From: Mrozek, Thom
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 4:41 PM
To: Philips, Chuck
Cc Thom Mrozek
Subject: Response re: Jan quote

OK, this is official.....should be attributed to me.

"We never comment on discussions we have with attorneys representing defendants, targets of investigations or witnesses. I should add that the government has never charged or accused Mr. Seagal of being involved in the incident that led to the search of Pellicano's office.

"Investigators decide on the most appropriate time to conduct an interview, and that might not always coincide with when the person would like to be interviewed."

Mrozek tacked on an off-the-record suggestion to Philips, but apparently sent the email later to Finke when she asked for comment.