Priests wear cassocks to be identified as spiritually transformed persons (respected to be the other Christ). Then take them off (on a case to case basis) for after all they are just but human beings like any other ordinary persons. Then they put on their special colorful vestments to say the sacrifice of the Mass and become like Christ and exercise this special privilege and authority to become special instruments and witness the miracle of miracles when pieces of hosts become real body and blood of Jesus Christ (the transsubstantiation).
With this power of powers I think they cannot just simply say they're just but human beings.
Before God (not before men) they made so many vows and the greatest and most important of all these is the "Great Commission" when they are supposed to fully commit themselves to preach the Gospel to four corners of the world and this gospel brings no other message but man's salvation through Jesus Christ alone!
To preach the Christ Who has died, has risen and will come again.
Cielito Jumao-as
Horseshoe Drive
Banawa, Cebu City