[He NOTICES THAT!! Wow is this better or worse than rock snowballs, he honestly can't tell and he hopes he won't get first-hand comparative experience.]

No, no - I can't do that! I can't do that at all! An apology should be a good enough way of handling a mistake, don't you think? And if it's not, then my hand will be forced! I'll have no choice but to defend myself!

[DEFEND HIMSELF by taking a few steps back and looking like he is || this close to bolting in the opposite direction. WHEN IN DOUBT, RUN FROM THE LAW.]