Yeah, that was the point of "not if I hire well". I was just surprised I responded so quickly with that. Probably because I'm well aware of subtle warning signs and I felt the interview was leading toward something like that.

And in hindsight, though it was a reflexive response at the time and I didn't map it out to be HR proof, it still is. Although I meant it specifically for her position at the moment I would easily explain to HR that I was implying not as long as I continue to hire well as I have done with all employees. Those darned white males can be problematic, amirite, Director of HR Karen?

Yeah, that was the point of "not if I hire well". I was just surprised I responded so quickly with that. Probably because I'm well aware of subtle warning signs and I felt the interview was leading toward something like that.