The gentle sex?

The pictures are (top to bottom) Margaret Thatcher, Imelda Marcos, Catherine the Great of Russia, Eva Peron and Ilse Koch (The Bitch of Buchenwald).

I swear too much, but usually as an interjection. Sometimes people ask me to 'moderate' my language in the presence of women. Why? Does the person imply that women's sensibilities are more delicate than men's? Is this a remnant of the ideal Victorian woman, who was demure, obedient, and always had the vapours? We live in an age of supposed equality, and I know plenty of women who swear. I don't know why people are so uncomfortable about some swear words compared to others. I don't like people to be abused with swear words, but the words in themselves are just words.
Before I forget, I have another demure lady to add to the list:

Madame Mao.