I don't think that's true - science is a social process just as much as it is a method; it has institutions, funding, public relations, disputes on technical and non-technical points (article is case in point). As a social institution, it is well within the purview of social norms, unless we are to exempt scientists from criticism of their activities while wearing a lab coat (or to render such criticism incoherent) - an absurt proposition itself.
You and he are using "science" for different things. He is talking about a methodology, and you are talking about social institutions. It's like the difference between "prayer" and "the Church". The methodology of prayer is independent of what social agenda the Church may pursue.
could you please elaborate? because to me it feels like prayer (on an individual level) is very much aligned with the church's social agenda (on a global level)
I think that you are thinking of prayer in terms of what you pray for, while I was referring to your procedure for performing a prayer.