to answer the question yes they do it to men too, and here's how you non-confrontationally tell them to fsck off and i got this from @ttscoff years ago:
get something from your bag under the seat.
you have to move your legs out to do it, but DONT CEDE THE TERRITORY. if they try, get something else from your bag.
i don't like arguing on a plane, but i am 6'3" on a rebooked flight diverted for tornadoes so come at me and my thighs bruh.























