I think the problem is rather that the public was looking for ideally easy and hopefully definitive answers and were confused when they saw scientific progress

I think the problem is rather that the public was looking for ideally easy and hopefully definitive answers and were confused when they saw scientific progress unfold in real time instead, with all uncertainties, theories and what it entails. I definitely had a good share of discussions revolving around "scientists are saying different things every week" in the last few months. My closer connections seem to understand now.