You did not need to go through this identity verification at all. This is only needed to get the “Swiss Pass” which is a product aimed at residents. This is a small plastic card, with a photo, where you can load commuter passes etc…
For the Swiss Half Fare Card, or the Swiss Travel Pass you only need an account. You do not need to register for “Swiss Pass”. So you choose “without customer number” when registering.
Have a look at this:
https://community.sbb.ch/blog/35831-swiss-half-fare-card-how-to-buy-and-details
I know it is a bit confusing. And those people who though it was a good idea to call the domestic transit pass “Swiss Pass” ought to have known better…