Paris (CNN) The French government has backed down over apparent plans to pay tribute to Marshal Philippe Pétain -- who collaborated with the Nazis in the deportation of Jews from France during World War II -- as part of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

French President Emmanuel Macron came under fire Wednesday after he said it was "legitimate" to honor Pétain's role as a "great soldier" in World War I.

Hours later, French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said in a Facebook post that no tribute would be paid to Pétain in Saturday's ceremony.

"We had announced that we would honor the marshals of the Great War. Some have deduced that Pétain was one of them; this is not the case. If there was confusion, it was because we were not clear enough on that point," Griveaux said.

Marshal Philippe Pétain (left) is pictured in a courtroom during his 1945 treason trial.

"In the words of the President, there was no question of a tribute, but of historical truth. Pétain served in 1914. He contributed to the victory of 1918. But nothing will obscure or make us forget the Pétain who betrayed, collaborated and infamously signed and implemented the decree on the status of the Jews."

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