I think it is a classic case of he goofed and now wants to blame the dog. Many dogs will react badly if you tower over them and then reach for or touch them. It is a dominance thing. The guy wasn't a pack [family] member. A stranger not introduced.

To approach a strange dog have the owner [pack leader] introduce you. Always move very slowly. Approach dog at or below eye level. Allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand. Oder is very important to dogs. Then if and only if you are accepted. Then you can pet. Just don't grab for the throat area.