According to two unnamed sources familiar with the proceedings at Apple, the company's retail chief John Browett has told the employees that the recent staffing changes, which had been made in Apple's retail stores selling iPhones, iPads and Macs, was "a mistake"; and that Apple was now reversing its policies.

With the staffing changes made by Apple leading to a reduction of staff at some locations, some of the media reports had speculated that Apple was slashing jobs and reducing employees' hourly shifts in its retail stores in London and some other locations.

About the staffing changes, Browett - who was appointed the new head of retail at Apple in April - said in a communication with the leadership teams at Apple's retail stores that the company was only trying a new retail-store staffing formula, whereby some retail locations had to be understaffed and the hourly shifts of some employees had to be reduced.

However, terming the move as "a mistake" because of speculations about possible job-cuts by Apple, Browett further added that, within weeks of the staffing changes, Apple was reversing its policies and reverting to its previous system.

Acknowledging that Apple had "recently implemented some changes in retail staffing," and that the company was now returning to its old policy, Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said: "Making these changes was a mistake and the changes are being reversed."