Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel came before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday to defend the deal that traded American prisoner of war Bowe Bergdahl for five members of the Taliban. Hagel said Bergdahl’s worsening condition in captivity forced the administration to act.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel: “As the opportunity to obtain Sergeant Bergdahl’s release became clearer, we grew increasingly concerned that any delay or any leaks could derail the deal and further endanger Sergeant Bergdahl. We were told by the Qataris that a leak, any kind of leak, would end the negotiation for Bergdahl’s release. We also knew that he would be extremely vulnerable during any movement, and our military personnel conducting the hand-off would be exposed to the possible ambush or other deadly scenarios in very dangerous territory that we did not control. The president’s decision to move forward with the transfer of these detainees was a tough call. I supported it. I stand by it.”

According to the Pentagon, Bergdahl has claimed Taliban captors tortured him and kept him in a cage for weeks and possibly months after he tried to escape.