There appears to be a misconception regarding wearing the garment below the ankles.

Answer

There is no misconception whatsoever. The fact that despite being aware of the strict prohibition and the dire warning of Fire for wearing the garment below the ankles, molvis still ignore the prohibition and soothe their conscience with the ‗pride' factor, is the evidence for either pride or Tashabbuh bil kuffaar (emulating the kuffaar). The reason of pride stated in the Hadith is because this is the usual factor for wearing the garment below the ankles. Its mention is merely to add emphasis to the prohibition. It does not mean that wearing the garment below the ankles is permissible on the assumption that it is not motivated by pride. The reality is that it is pride and imitating kuffaar, hence preference is given to it over the style of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu anhu) was excluded from the prohibition because he was unable to keep his garment above the ankles despite the effort to do so. That is because of his bulging belly. But those who are averse to following the Sunnah present baseless interpretation to justify their major sin.