^ I think she may have been banking on that. And she was right.....the first time.
Being a woman, I certainly get that chivalry, and thank you for your self-restraint, but if I hit a man, I would expect one of the results could be retaliation. Which is why I would weigh the consequences of walking up to a stranger and assaulting him before I took action.
The fact that he didn't haul off and nail her with a right hook, makes me side with him for just pushing her away. I have a feeling she regrets hitting a stranger until she garners a reaction. I bet she doesn't feel so emboldened next time.