@bhuether
You’re somewhat misreading the quote; you can withdraw the money to pay the tax debt, but you won’t be eligible for the 10% tax exception.
See Exceptions to the 10% Additional Tax in Topic No. 558 Additional Tax on Early Distributions From Retirement Plans Other Than IRAs | Internal... for more information.
That said, as to whether you can request that the IRS issue a levy, so you can avoid the penalty: You can probably request it, but generally nobody wants an IRS levy. According to the IRS’ Levy page,
An IRS levy permits the legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. It can garnish wages, take money in your bank or other financial account, seize and sell your vehicle(s), real estate and other personal property.
It’s not like a cafeteria plan where you can pick and choose what actions you want to be taken.
