Like many others, I think he is to be respected for what he said. I have read and heard enough on this site, and in my life, to see that many do seem to perceive someone (of opposite sex) as "hitting on" them if that person even talks to them or brings them something (like the tea) at work. I, personally, would be more like you and not assume anything about that.
But my H is blatant that way too, and from what he tells me, I can only imagine what some people at his job think. The women there know he is married, but um, not all people in a work place consider "knowing" someone is married also means they are off limits. So when he feels they do or say something that is suggestive or even possibly flirty, he will make a big deal about how married he is and how much he loves his wife. I would imagine those women sometimes feel like you do, that he was assuming they "wanted him" when that was not what was intended with friendly banter. It might embarrass them a bit. But do I care? No. I would rather he set them all straight, just as he does.
And this is why I think it might be quite possible this man has either crossed the line in the past, or his wife has, and so he is extra sensitive to the whole "boundary" thing. I can assure you that before the A, my H was not as blatant with women who flirted or bantered with him in even remotely, or possibly suggestive ways at work.
