Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that the company may need to adjust its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies due to evolving legal challenges in the US. His statement came shortly after shareholders rejected a proposal urging Apple to end DEI practices, such as considering race and gender in hiring.

Apple had opposed the proposal, arguing it was an attempt to micromanage its business. Despite the rejection, Cook stated that while Apple does not use hiring quotas, it remains committed to fostering a diverse workplace.

The scrutiny follows former President Donald Trump’s push to eliminate DEI programs, which has led major corporations like Meta and Amazon to scale back their initiatives. The proposal against Apple’s DEI policies was backed by the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research, citing legal and financial risks.

While Apple has resisted pressure to eliminate its DEI efforts, experts suggest the company is playing a defensive strategy to balance corporate values with potential legal challenges. Shareholders also voted against proposals related to AI privacy, charitable giving, and child protection policies but approved a $74 million compensation package for Cook.