In case direct modex response cannot be satisfied send_error() is called that packs status and peer id in the reply (https://github.com/open-mpi/ompi/blob/v2.0.x/orte/orted/pmix/pmix_server.c#L385:L397)
At the receiver side a "hotel room number" is expected to proceed correctly:
https://github.com/open-mpi/ompi/blob/v2.0.x/orte/orted/pmix/pmix_server.c#L597:L615.