The interviewer asked me if I could handle working with a variety of men where most probably didn't know how to act appropriately around women. Really? Yes, really!

Thus question was probably asked because of the cultural norms in the petrochemical industry. Most technicians/operators tend to have rather rough language and tend to poke fun at each other is a rough manner. This rough and tough behavior has been a cultural norm is this particular industry for generations. Basically the question asks if you have a thick skin.