It has everything to do with it being a funny hat. The power structure had decided that women wore low power clothes, and the men wore high power clothes. So we can snicker at their clothes, even if they were an admiral.

For example, waiters wear those funny aprons or other uniforms. Because that way you can tell who is serving the meal and who is buying the meal.

As an aside, in today's U.S. Navy, the clothing is somewhat less important. My cousin was recently promoted to two star, and the ceremony was performed by the Chief of Naval Operations. He hung around for chatting afterwards and I couldn't help myself. I asked why my cousin had more medals on his chest than he did. CNO gave a great reply (he was a submariner, fewer chances for medals) and we agreed that the rigid linking of number of medals to rank has been relaxed in the modern military.