"For a Talmudic Sage to express a minority opinion was not unusual.
In various controversies, Sages would sometimes express majority opinions, and at other times would be in the minority.
Even when the ruling went against the opinion of a particular individual, he was not required to change his mind.
He was, however, obligated to acquiesce to the halachic ruling of the majority."
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz