I too, have often gone right up to men and made it clear I would take no shit and they did back down. However, something to consider, is having to be a fighting alpha all the time to keep yourself safe (just in case), simply the flip side of feeling fearful and helpless. We are not meant to contract ourselves, nor should we be required to adopt aggressive behaviors in order to walk through the world without being hassled. Besides, since you admitted you’ve fielded crass comments from men in public, you are no different than the rest of women - just how you reacted to it might have been different.