I think in this case, the existence of pedigree isn't a strong enough argument to keep around an uncommon, and uncommonly unintuitive, phrase.

"Gaslight confession" or "gaslight apology" are much clearer. By directly addressing the intent to deceive, they are both accurate, and can help discourage the practice.

("Gaslight" is also unintuitive upon first encounter, but has a widely established meaning at this point.)