As Apple and the FBI head to another hearing on the San Bernardino iPhone case, both sides are growing more aggressive — and the exchange is quickly turning negative. Hours ago, federal prosecutors filed a motion that said "Apple’s rhetoric is not only false, but also corrosive of the very institutions that are best able to safeguard our liberty and our rights." The government also pushed back against Apple's concerns over the "backdoor" to iPhone making its way to the wrong hands. "Far from being a master key, the software simply disarms a booby trap affixed to one door." Well, Apple isn't very pleased with the government's latest filing.

The company just held a conference call with members of the press, describing the prosecution's motion as a "cheap shot" brief that takes away from the debate over consumer privacy and encryption's role in preserving it. But Bruce Sewell, Apple's general counsel and SVP of legal, had harsher words still. He accused the government of trying to "vilify Apple" on unsubstantiated theories.

"Everyone should beware, because it seems like disagreeing with the Department of Justice means you must be evil and anti-American," he said in an on-the-record statement. "Nothing could be further from the truth." Attorneys for Apple voiced disappointment with all the negativity, having previously thought that the debate was on a respectful trajectory as recently as March 1st's House committee hearing. The executives reinforced that there are good people working at both the DoJ and FBI, and expressed hope that the debate will get back on track as it presses on.

Sewell's comments follow below, with all emphasis added by The Verge.