an apology
Examples
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
I would recommend all men in choosing a profession to avoid any that may require an apology at every turn; either an apology or else a somewhat violent assertion of right.
In public, as well as in private expences, great wealth may, perhaps, frequently be admitted as an apology for great folly.
I think I deserve an apology.
Conspiracy theorists of the world, believers in the hidden hands of the Rothschilds and the Masons and the Illuminati, we skeptics owe you an apology. You were right. The players may be a little different, but your basic premise is correct: The world is a rigged game.
Avoid what will require an apology.