I don't think the NFL was expecting the degree of backlash that hiring replacement refs has brought. Pre-season didn't show major problems with referees and it looked like the NFL would be able to hold out on the pro referees demands.
The replacement refs have been making mistakes but nothing highly noticeable or where one bad call hasn't been pinpointed to a bad outcome of a game. That was until Monday.
Now, the pendulum has swung. Everyone can see that the replacement refs cannot do the job of professional refs. Everyone sees it, fans, players, and coaches.