If a pedophile uploads CP to the internet and the host finds CP they call the police.
Both seem like reasonable responses to me.
This will violate my IT device usage policy! Apple is not my IT department!! We have a ZERO TOLERANCE IT device usage policy. By not calling the local police department after one violation, we violate the policy. There is also a form which must be signed before HR (Girlfriend) so they can be present on the call to LE or else be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
The general sentiment does appear to be that the laws are misguided. That does not necessarily mean repeal is necessary. Augmentation may also provide a solution that satisfies their concerns. However, that is moving well beyond the topic at hand. There is no indication I can find that some kind of change is controversial. There is clear worry about the status quo based on the potential outcome of what information Apple may glean.
What remains is that Apple isn't anyone's real concern. An inanimate corporation can't do much to you. Apple is simply bringing attention to what actually concerns people, which is something that was already there all along.
They aren't, but the blame is misguided. This isn't a problem with Apple. What is Apple going to do if they do detect something identified as CSAM on your device? Refuse to sell you another? Oh well. The real worry is what other parties will do if they get ahold of the information. That is what needs to be fixed. Apple is exposing the underlying problem, not causing the problem themselves.