Does that work for men also?

Not until they pay the check. ;) The chivalrous Brits must protect fair lady.
I think it's a good idea if she's in danger, but if she's just disappointed or changed her mind, it's rather underhanded to sneak out.

All it takes is one stalker to make you afraid that every guy is a stalker. It's not fair, but it's true. (Nevermind the many guys who aren't stalkers, but who still get angry to some degree when you tell them, no matter how politely, that you aren't interested.)

Does that work for men also?

Well, I've never personally met a man who was stalked to the point of fear (rather than the sort of irritation you get from a buzzy fly) but I suppose it happens.
However I do know men who have developed intense feelings of jealousy and controlling behaviour and blame it on a single woman who either cheated on them or finished with them. Of course it's all "he said, she said" because I've never known both parties, but some of these men were seriously creepy and felt justified in being so.

Nothing to do with this particular scheme of course, which I suppose can come across as sexist. But fear can sometimes be a learned behaviour, and if you are physically smaller and weaker than every date you have, and face daily ogling and comments on your physical appearance (and supposed shortcomings) I can certainly understand wanting a Get Out of Jail Free Card.

I've never bailed on a date in this way, but I have set up code words with friends, asked for calls at certain times, and frankly just lied to get out of first dates without trying to challenge the "masculinity" of my date, in case I get into a situation I can't handle...

"Men are afraid women will laugh at them, women are afraid men will kill them."

I think it's rarely justified, but certainly common sentiment.

flippant comment .. didn't really warrant a response.

Any comment, even flippant ones, keep the dialog open and views expressed. That's always a good thing.

Makes sense, if they show too much leg strip them naked.

The religion of peace, my ass.

Falsely claim to be Muslim holy men.

and a quarter century ago

Heck, there are televangelists in the US today blaming the gays for hurricanes.

Unlike all the other major religions which of course have a super record on women's rights and equality :p

My favorite part of the Bible is the part where it says I have to remain silent in church and never cut my hair.