The point was basically this: The US, while far from perfect, gives people a fair trial, in front of a jury of their peers to laws made by elected representatives that answer at least partly to their constitutions but a constitution and bill of rights prevent this from turning completely into a tyranny of the majority. This gives the laws and system of justice some moral weight.

In Iran you would be hanged simply because you don't believe in Islam, or think women should have equal rights.

This means that there should be no more respect for laws made by Iran than for the average street bully.