Iblees / Shaitan

Ok this might seem like a bit of an odd topic, but i dont think this fits anywhere else

We have on discussion today, Surah Al-Isra The Children of Israel

For ease of discussion i have given three translations of the particular verse in discussion, from each of the major Translations (17:61)
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YUSUFALI: Behold! We said to the angels: "Bow down unto Adam": They bowed down except Iblis: He said, "Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst create from clay?"

PICKTHAL: And when We said unto the angels: Fall down prostrate before Adam and they fell prostrate all save Iblis, he said: Shall I fall prostrate before that which Thou hast created of clay?

SHAKIR: And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam; they made obeisance, but Iblis (did it not). He said: Shall I make obeisance to him whom Thou hast created of dust?

Now, my question is simple - Why would Iblees bow if he was not an angel?

I know it sounds like im defending him, but i would like to clear this up.