How do the akhoonds justify their existance when the Koran forbids a clergy?

The Koran says "They [Christians and Jews] have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him."

Ie muslims should not have a clergy like Christians Hindus Shintoists etc. Yet the IRI is founded on a clerical class. How do the akhoonds justify their own existance when the koran believes in a Lutheran style universal priesthood? Ie no caste of more holies and less holies (at least amung the belivers). Terms like Akhoond and Ayatoallah didnt exist until centuries later. Rouhani just meant spritual was not a title.

This isnt me bending the words, thats what they say is the word of God. Tje word of god that says they shouldnt exist. Wouldnt this be like Trump saying he loves the constitution whike trying to get his son Eric to inherit the presidency?

How do they justify themselves, when calling your self an islamic priest is basically blasphemy.