As far as I can see his response isn't much of a backtrack. He just seemed to restate his position using other words - no enlightenment has occurred here. He is another person that that thinks that biology and chromosomes = gender identity. I wonder if he is aware of AIS conditions?

As far as the "witch hunt" statement - he is certainly entitled to his views and he is certainly entitled to express his views - no one is saying that he's not. What he is not entitled to is freedom from other people having and expressing their views about his views.

Express a view that is unpopular and you'll get plenty of reaction from people.