Sir G, you are very right, if we say sorry for our mistakes/errs.saying sorry is a decent and civilised thing to do. this response is to that position and the person. regardless of her judgements.
there are civilised alternatives to express disagreements and displeasure.
Only I dare to differ on it when one has to be sorry to the 'powerful' when he/she did abuse his/her position. It shows that the one who says sorry is not up to the principles taught to us. Even, though I was unable to find any such example in Islam, if there is any, please do share.
The 'civilized' way to express disagreement/displeasure will always be harsh for those who are on the strong side of the line. They will be more aggressive towards you, judging that you are weak and could not dare to stand.
Such things only work in those societies where humanity, truth, sincerity, and care towards others prevail.
People are calling opponents bad names when others are convicted by the court of law and could not prove their innocence, but maligned those who caught them red-handed.if one criticises political opponents of bad manners , intimidation and use of foul language then such behaviour must be avoided.
A thief/murderer/robber/fraudster/savage is to be remembered with such titles, there is no alternative and it is the norm in every society, else in the languages in the world, no such words should be there.
Here IK tries to take avoid so many confrontations against himself and just show remorse, as the more harsh words from others are ignored and every word from IK is liable to lodge an FIR and that is how the system is recently tweaked to work.although late but good step.
again, the apology is to the position of justice not just an individual.