Explanations for pardons (7)
I believe the answer is:
excuses
This clue is a double definition.
'explanations' is the first definition.
(excuse is a kind of explanation)
'for pardons' is the second definition.
('excuse' can be a synonym of 'pardon')
(Other definitions for excuses that I've seen before include "Clears" , "Releases from a duty" , "Defences of offensive behaviour" , "Exempts or condones" , "Lets (someone) off duty" .)