Why is it that jerks never quite get the concept of politeness? In their arrogance they think you're simply Deferring to their strength and manliness. Even when their strength and manliness are harvested from the group in which they can be a powerless member or a non-functioning appendage--Their Race, Their Ethnic Group, Their Political Affiliation, Their Truck, Their Gun, Their SUV. Their Job.
They don't understand that the motivation for being polite isn't a sign of weakness, but a sign of Intelligence and Civility.