The FET, Zener, and resistor are all important for the circuit.
If a FET with a larger breakdown voltage (Vt) is used, then the Zener voltage can be a bit higher.
If the FET (Vt) is lower, then the Zener voltage must be reduced also. The resistor should also be sized to balance the current, and the fluctuation on the Zener voltage.
For the MAX17261EVKIT, a 3.3V Zener can be used to bring the voltage lower, and reduce the resistor to maybe 200k to keep the current, and Zener voltage more stable.