You should avoid the whole gender/sex angle and just make some comment about extreme nerdiness.
"I'm a total a nerd and have been all my life I've been on HN for over 2yrs and I can honestly say there's nowhere else on the entire internet where people make comments that even come close to how nerdy yours does!"
That being said it still isn't that funny and it doesn't really add anything to the conversation, but likely wouldn't have offended anyone either.
EDIT: forget to mention kudos for apologizing and not whining about downvotes like most people seem to now.
It's a personal challenge that I have, not to take offense or go on the offensive and not taking it personally. A year ago, I would have reacted in a completely different manner.
But you're right, "That is the nerdiest thing I have ever heard in my life" would probably have been better. And yet, still not constructive in any way. At least this little altercation is constructive, at least for my attitude!
My sincerest apologies to whomever this offended, it was absolutely not my intention!