I think he's kind of scared, because If they restored the oot to the same quality of the 2004 release minus the mistakes no one in the world would prefer the special editions version, except maybe the kiddies who grew up with the special editions and prequels, but if you show the same kids the older version I don't think they would notice any difference because the storytelling takes over not the effects.
the effects were there to supplement the storytelling.
in lucas own words from in star wars to jedi " Special effects are just a tool, a means for telling a story. a special effect without a story are pretty boring thing".
looks like he forgot his own speech there with the special editions and prequels.