so <insert excuse here> that makes them feel better about rejection. .... Give them some <come back when> that doesn't ruffle them too much.
Do you really think these people are that emotionally fragile?
That they really can't take (let alone appreciate the value of) a simple and straightforward "No", with metrics and reasons?
As in any other context where one hears lines like these -- the only person who's meant to "feel better" after giving excuses like these is the person giving them.
The basic message it conveys is: "We're secure. You're not."