diff --git a/drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_fc.c b/drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_fc.c
index 8934160c4a33..1aaeb0ead7a7 100644
--- a/drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_fc.c
+++ b/drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_fc.c
@@ -1252,7 +1252,7 @@ static ssize_t fc_rport_set_marginal_state(struct device *dev,
 		 */
 		if (rport->port_state == FC_PORTSTATE_ONLINE)
 			rport->port_state = port_state;
-		else
+		else if (port_state != rport->port_state)
 			return -EINVAL;
 	} else if (port_state == FC_PORTSTATE_ONLINE) {
 		/*
@@ -1262,7 +1262,7 @@ static ssize_t fc_rport_set_marginal_state(struct device *dev,
 		 */
 		if (rport->port_state == FC_PORTSTATE_MARGINAL)
 			rport->port_state = port_state;
-		else
+		else if (port_state != rport->port_state)
 			return -EINVAL;
 	} else
 		return -EINVAL;