I highly doubt the situation happened. Their insecurity manifested it and it was output into something that made them feel excused. In reality, no one outside of their own mind has thought or said this to them. At least not since junior school.
It’s to show playfulness and that the artist doesn’t feel THAT strongly, imagine how cold the comic would be without it.
And then consider that women have been raised to be polite and apologetic to the point it is even a habit for most of us. I guess that’s why I can’t really see it as cringe even if I try.