Apologizing to a mob never makes sense. You just make the other mob angry and most of the current mob doesn't think you're authentic anyways.

Or, as the article says, "It was either not enough or, oh, my God, please stop.".

Trying to placate a mob is pointless.

Be authentic (apologize if you really mean it), otherwise stand your ground and stay still. The mob will move on eventually. They are fickle and easily distracted. If you stay still? they'll move on. If you dart around? You're a target for the pack. Let them find the next target.