diff --git a/installinstallmacos.py b/installinstallmacos.py
index 9de853b..926348f 100755
--- a/installinstallmacos.py
+++ b/installinstallmacos.py
@@ -385,8 +385,11 @@ def replicate_url(
         options = '-sfL'
     curl_cmd = ['/usr/bin/curl', options,
                 '--create-dirs',
-                '--compressed',
                 '-o', local_file_path]
+    if not full_url.endswith(".gz"):
+        # stupid hack for stupid Apple behavior where it sometimes returns
+        # compressed files even when not asked for
+        curl_cmd.append('--compressed')
     if not ignore_cache and os.path.exists(local_file_path):
         curl_cmd.extend(["-z", local_file_path])
         if attempt_resume: