Flake is such a spineless coward it wouldn't surprise me if he was playing to the crowd. The Atlantic is also reporting on this and had this at the end of their article.
I think if he really starts moving the goal posts like this behind the scenes Lindsey Graham might legit punch him.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/10/jeff-flake-criticizes-supreme-court-nominee-kavanaugh/571915/Quote:
I caught up with Flake briefly as he left the event, and asked if this meant he would not vote to confirm Kavanaugh, even if the FBI cleared him by week's end. He appeared rattled, and his handlers rushed him into the stairwell. "I didn't say that " he stammered. "I wasn't referring to him."
I think if he really starts moving the goal posts like this behind the scenes Lindsey Graham might legit punch him.