Did they explain Ash`s new look (Pokemon anime)?

[gcwy]

Barkley said:

gcwy said:

He looks like this now.

He used to look like this.

Different. I definitely prefer the older Ash, they made him softer (?) in the new one and it's apparent on the hair, even. I'm not sure why this change was necessary but I think it won't bother me after a few episodes.