How does john proctor try to justify his confessing in act 4?

John Proctor tries to justify his confession in Act 4 by arguing that he was coerced and threatened into making a false admission. He claims that he was "blackmailed" by Abigail Williams and the other accusers, who threatened to accuse him of witchcraft if he did not confess. He also argues that he was physically abused and tortured in order to extract a confession from him. Additionally, Proctor argues that he was in a state of emotional distress and confusion at the time and was not thinking clearly. He pleads for forgiveness from his wife, Elizabeth, and the other characters, stating that he was momentarily weak and that his confession was not a true reflection of his character or beliefs.