How?
If he said "No hearings," how would holding hearings on Sandoval be an "out"? How would it be anything other than evidence of hypocrisy?
I have no doubt McConnell privately regrets making his "No hearings" commitment and is looking for a way out that won't make him look like a hypocrite.
Establishment hack and rollover artist that he is, McConnell would use the excuse, "We must make an exception for this good Republican governor that Obama has selected", and hold the approval hearings. And you are right, it would still be hypocrisy.