If it is cord and plug connected, it seems like it might be movable to get the required clearance to work on it when such work is required.
A very strict reading of the code might prohibit this, but how is this situation any different than a vacuum cleaner that is plugged into a wall outlet? It might be physically located just about anywhere, including a spot where it might not have the required clearances for working on it live, say for testing it. But if it can be easily moved, how is that an actual problem?
I vote to ask for special permission as specifically authorized by the code for exactly this kind of situation.
As an aside, since the AHJ is almost always authorized to provide special permission, why does the code feel it necessary to specify it in this case?
Note that I have specifically used the term AHJ and not inspector. They are almost never the same entity.