That's the reason why he chose his words carefully so as to not to offend. There's a deeper meaning to what he quoted!
Hes a spiritual leader. His intention is very important. The last thing he did is to hurt ones feeling. So such people preach peace n dont harbour hatred. His words n intentions are very clear. He even said tere r evil buddhists n muslims committg terrorists acts. But its not the faults of the religion i.e. Islam.