If you are the one in the position of responsibility then the decision is yours and others are really owed no explanation. You made a decision to enable your group to meet their obligations. If someone asks the why, then you can answer or not as you choose. Those of your group that counseled you to lie are wrong! As has been pointed out, all we have in the end is ourselves and our reputation. A lie will always be found out and that will destroy any trust in your word. Once lost, that trust is hard to regain. That is why their suggestion bothered you and well it did. Rest easy knowing your integrity is intact and try to forgive the poor judgement of the others.

YMOS,
Tony