What does Judges 21:22 mean?

If their fathers or brothers come to complain, we'll tell them, 'Please let it go this time. We didn't give our daughters to them, they took them. Otherwise, the tribe of Benjamin would disappear.' Judges 21:22 - Modern Text Bible

(The leaders are ready to defend the Benjaminites' actions, arguing that this is the only way to keep the tribe alive without breaking their promise.)