While I DO actually believe that the CPU is a limiting factor in both consoles (remember, both have six cores for games, both are x86, and the Xbox One is clocked only marginally faster), I have to agree that the statement to avoid debates was the worst verbal slip to make.
In other words, I think there really IS a CPU factor to account for since the two current gen twins are in near parity there, with the Xbox One having maybe a few percent in advantage. But unfortunately, now everyone will just focus on the worst PR statement to be made during one of the most "graphics biased" generations of all time.