Laundering is used to disguise the bad original of counterfeit money as well as money obtained by unacceptable means. That is the point of the laundering analogy. I think counterfeit money is a better fit in the article’s analogy. Cargo cult Science would be an even better term.
To be clear, I do not propose ignoring anyone’s feelings except when actual harm is likely. No one would, I hope, argue that if an anorexic feels he is too fat doctors should write prescriptions for diet medications. Actual harm is likely, and feelings should take a subordinate role.