you literally dont need a retcon lol. look at the story. they try to kill him constantly, the entire time, hardcore starting at water 7 when they send rob lucci after him, and then its vice admiral + pacifista + sentomaru + 1000 marines at minimum every single other time he shows his face in public, including admirals several times. luffy just always gets away or makes friends with the admiral or whatever. he goes in yonko territory and mont d'or is reporting to cp0 agents that he promises to kill luffy.