Coming from a rural area, I have to realize city folk think that talking to another human being in public is eccentric or off-putting. Some of the instances were what we do on a regular basis to men and women. Hello, how are you, have a good day, let me get that for you, are a regular feature in small town atmospheres. If I acted like a sincerely friendly person in a city, I know it would be received negatively. Their loss, as far as I am concerned.
Most of the instances were demonstrating poor manners and do not come off in any way as charming. Much of it was offensive or nerve-wracking as hell. In particular, the gentleman that followed her for some five minutes was pretty worrying. I could easily see how it would be uncomfortable to be a woman in a public place.
I have perhaps, at most, experienced some hooting and hollering once in a public place. I'm a guy, so it wasn't until someone pointed out what had happened that I understood what had gone on. Of course I wasn't offended and was flattered, but it was both so rare and non-threatening that I could afford to be flattered. Guys just don't have to deal with the issue and even if it does happen, we probably will react differently as a result.