Republican White House candidate Donald Trump has performed a sudden U-turn on his vow to endorse the use of torture on terrorism suspects if elected.
In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, the real estate billionaire said he would not order the American military to break international laws if he becomes US president.
The Republican front runner said he would "use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies".
"I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.
"I will not order a military officer to disobey the law."
Mr Trump's new stance contrasts starkly with remarks he made at a Republican debate less than 24 hours earlier.
On stage at the forum in Detroit, he stood by previous pledges that he would order "a hell of a lot worse" than waterboarding.
"Can you imagine these people, these animals, over in the Middle East that chop off heads, sitting around talking and seeing that we're having a hard problem with waterboarding?" he told moderators.
His statement on Friday follows an open letter written by Republican foreign policy mavens opposing his candidacy, in part, because of his "embrace of the expansive use of torture".
Mr Trump's tough talk has fired up supporters frustrated over the rules of engagement on the US-led campaign against the Islamic State group and other jihadists.
In another policy pivot, Mr Trump said in Thursday's debate he was dropping his stance advocating visa restrictions on highly skilled foreign workers.
He also raised eyebrows during the live Fox News forum as he appeared to defend the size of his manhood.
Despite some bruising exchanges, his rivals all pledged to support Mr Trump if he becomes the Republican party's candidate for November's elections.
Mr Trump has meanwhile cancelled a scheduled speech at Saturday's Conservative Political Action Conference.
His campaign said in a statement that he will instead hold rallies in Kansas and Florida.
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