That's what they said. Why not take them at their word? There is plenty of evidence pervasive, nasty disrespect behind our backs is common. Consider the number of women who are raped, beaten up, or killed up here. Trans people report that their new identities give them admission to the other side and it's a real eye-opener. 
Donald Trump's attacks on political correctness (respect for others) and his role-model statements have normalized that talk and emboldened deplorables to enjoy their casual dehumanization of women in the public square. (Especially now, when they are provoked by a winning feminist, uppity-woman champ, who is no passive bystander, and is very competently competing for supreme power.) Personally I prefer to get the truth from men. I can confront that easily. It's tougher to confront when it's hidden.