I think you have it backwards. If I read it right, Battlemaster was saying that is a person is unwashed and looks unkempt, that maybe they should think twice about giving a compliment that day. Having an unwashed and unkemt person approach you, even for a compliment, is offputting.
I think that is what was being said. Like - when I am working on a home improvement project and have to duck into home depot covered in dust, paint, and sweat - I probably won’t be going too close to folks and complimenting them. Nobody wants the dust gremlin version of me that close! heh
Clean me on the other hand, I certainly might compliment someone on their plant selection! I won’t scare them off that way.