Does Apple sell opened iPads as new?

I received my new 12.9" 2021 iPad Pro today and upon opening the box I discovered that the screen already had finger prints on it and it looked like someone had wiped it with a damp cloth or alcohol wipe because I could see the marks leftover from moisture that had dried and some small scratches. The iPad had definitely been handled before.

I ordered a brand new iPad so I was shocked to see this and I will be returning it. This is my first time buying an iPad and any other new tablets or phones I've bought in the past came with a plastic film covering the screen and back to protect it so I was stunned that such a premium item didn't even have that and was apparently a used item sold as a new one!

Does Apple resell returned/open box iPads as "new" ones? Has anyone else had an experience like this?