Boys will be boys. I've heard many excuses from men and well this sounds just like another lame excuse. I agree with the concept that Americans may be too open with non-Americans, but if that is not the case, he could either be shy or just making up an excuse for whatever reason he may have.

I've dated a man from Turkey and he was restricted with himself (very respectful of my body) like you describe, but he was not afraid to speak his mind (proposed after two weeks). So this could really go either way. Best of luck.