The issue for me is not their personal level of observance; it is, first and foremost, the claimed “heter” which, even if theoretically legitimate for this situation (although it makes no sense as reported), is sure to be copycatted in other situations.
there are 2 avenues for the Heter, Pikuach Nefesh and one I had never heard of before Something Malchus (Something to do with being involved with the government)
Both do make sense. It is not the same as someone wishing to get someone to drive to the beach on Shabbos