Is the new DHC’s embarrassment cowardly? Should he have stuck up for his new found son?

The Director becomes even more mortified when John walks in, falls to his knees, and calls him "father," a word filled with embarrassing meaning. All the workers begin laughing until the Director finally runs out of the room. The Director isn't a very sympathetic character. He hides behind his "science" and refuses to take responsibility for his actions. I would consider him a rather cowardly man.