My bold because this is a favorite excuse of those who essentially take a bullying stance. "It's your tone" is a good reason to offer a teen who is learning manners (hopefully!) while it is deceitful to use this excuse to ignore important facts.

From what I have gleaned, mostly from reading between the lines, it was his nemesis, Dr. Ancel Keys, who wasn't "nice." It is my understanding he was a ruthless careerist.