diff --git a/iiab-install b/iiab-install
index c2b35864c..001dc8eac 100755
--- a/iiab-install
+++ b/iiab-install
@@ -26,12 +26,12 @@ else
         # check ansible version here and force ansible upgrade if needed
     else
         source /etc/iiab/iiab.env
-        if [ $STAGE == 9 ] && [ "$1" = "--debug" ]; then
+        if [ "$1" = "--debug" ]; then
             echo "Entering debug mode"
             sed -i -e 's/^STAGE=.*/STAGE=2/' /etc/iiab/iiab.env
         elif [ ! $STAGE == 9 ]; then
             echo "Restarting *after* STAGE $STAGE..as soon as Stage 0 completes. Stage 9 comes last."
-        else
+        elif [ $STAGE == 9 ]; then
             # place keeper add read response
             # "offer 'Y' or stage number dialog box option to override"
             echo "'iiab-install' has already been completed"