In my opinion recruitment team is selecting by person specification rather than by job analysis. In this case the amount of experience and flight time are less considered for the benefit of other parameters like a particular personality. Off course within some limits, which is here in this case the ATPL.
It doesn't mean that a guy who has been rejected is not good enough technically or whatever, his profile just doesn't fit to what they are looking for.
After lowering the minimum requirements they now have increased the number of their potential candidates and it was what they were looking for.
Good luck anyway to those who have been pre selected!