This is certainly for explanations of time and resources and doesn't show a visible retcon. Canonically, the Actual physical appearances and harnesses worn by the Elites as well as other species of the two the Covenant along with the Swords of Sanghelios over the gatherings of Halo five: Guardians https://halocuan25689.smblogsites.com/28448993/an-unbiased-view-of-login-halocuan98