After a few iterations of pruning, you get a model that is smaller than its original size. To get a final model, perform a transformation of the model.
vai_p_tensorflow \
--action=transform \
--input_ckpt=model.ckpt-10000 \
--output_ckpt=dense.ckpt
Transformation is only required after all iterations of pruning are completed. Do not run the transform command between each iteration of pruning.