new ipad won't let me sign in to iCloud

I just got a new iPad and as part of the process, it asks me to sign in using my Apple ID so it can access my iCloud account. After jumping through several hoops including entering my iPad passcode, it asks for my iPhone passcode. When I enter the CORRECT passcode, it gives me an error, claiming it is wrong and won't let me continue.

This is actually the SECOND time this happened when setting up this device. It originally asked me to sign into my Apple account, but when I entered the CORRECT passcode, it denied access. I eventually used my PC to log into my apple account online and confirmed I was using the right password, restarted the iPad, came back and tried again and this time, it was accepted.

This is NOT a case if user error, I am perfectly capable to typing my passcode and in this case, went VERY SLOWY, to make sure there was no error on my part, yet my new iPad is locking me out.

I DO NOT want to reset my iPhone passcode, I already have enough passcodes to remember. I want my new iPad to work properly. Is there any way to get around this? WHY do I have to enter my Apple ID, iPad passcode AND the iPhone passcode??