I think root comment is simply saying that they didn't want to "bother" women.

But reality is that when initiating any kind of social contact, you have to risk being a "bother". Over time you learn to judge the risk better, but there's always a risk. If you want to form relationships you just have to take the chance and go ahead anyways. Even if you're afraid of being a creep, or being annoying, or bothering them. You have to use your best judgement and initiate when you feel it's ok.