When dealing with bullies, the only way they understand is forceful and condescending, it is their stock in trade. Any toning down of the language leads them to believe they have the upper hand. I think there was enough humility coupled with forceful commentary and subtle threat to be a good thing, not a bad thing.
And when they are in the wrong, what right do they have for respect? For the uniform? Dress a gorilla in a monkey suit and he is still a gorilla.