If You are a Woman, Your Work Is Irrelevant

Most likely, his book was more acceptable because he presented it as fiction. Social criticis is always more acceptable when it is less blunt. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Jesus was crucified. In contrast, when humorists highlight social issues, we laugh. Social criticism is very dangerous stuff. It can get you literally killed regardless of gender, race, age, etc.

Edit: I will add that I am female and I find the "glass ceiling" maddening, but I think the big thing about the glass ceiling is being denied the knowledge and connections men have. I think that is the piece we need to work on. And this kind of criticism does not further that cause. It probably helps keep the problem entrenched.