I often forget that I have them on, so actually never noticed a clamping force as a negative. But I like that they are staying nicely fixed to my head.

If you are not happy with how they feel I would send them back. Too much money for headphones you don't like to wear!

This thread suggests a “fix” for the clamping force and includes another anecdote take from an “audiophile.”

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/airpods-max-too-tight-o...

This. I almost returned mine since I couldn't stand the pressure for more than about 20 minutes. As a last resort I stretched it out overnight between some books and they're now perfect. They're on my head 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I take them off for lunch for about an hour.

I'm using my Airpod Max since late December and the clamping force definetly gets better. However, I still have some issues wearing them with my reading glasses. But since I wear contact lenses most of the time, it's not really a problem.

I returned mine since the force was too much to bear for even 15 minutes.