I would always rather someone own up and make amends for their bad judgment and harmful actions than ignore it or double down. In the event of this sort of transgression, the preferred way forward is always exactly this. An apology, a correction, and the intent to do better. I hope he makes good on the intention and the correction is swift.
This is why it's important to have diversity teams or diverse contributors from the outset. Something like this never should have happened. But this is the right way to proceed.
It is refreshing for once to see someone say "you're right, this is my fault, and I'm sorry." Imagine a culture where this was the norm instead of the exception.
Edit: It is now a few weeks later and it's clear this did not work out how I hoped. Disappointing.
