in doc/src/sgml/ref/alter_operator.sgml
<varlistentry>
<term><literal>HASHES</literal></term>
<listitem>
<para>
Indicates this operator can support a hash join. Can only be set
when the operator does not support a hash join.
</para>
</listitem>
</varlistentry>
<varlistentry>
<term><literal>MERGES</literal></term>
<listitem>
<para>
Indicates this operator can support a merge join. Can only be set
when the operator does not support a merge join.
</para>
</listitem>
</varlistentry>
------------------------
if the operator cannot support hash/merge join, it can't do ALTER
OPERATOR oprname(left_arg, right_arg) SET (HASHES/MERGES = false);
I think it means:
Can only be set when the operator does support a hash/merge join. Once
set to true, it cannot be reset to false.