The Vishnitzer Rebbe (author of the Ahavas Yisrael) Showed great respect to all human beings – Jewish and gentile alike. In fact on several occasions he would actually 'tip his hat' to non-Jewish notables in the street. [This practice is positively non-Jewish and was the rage during the Victorian era. A man who didn't dof his hat to a lady was certainly no gentleman!]

He explained his custom as follows: Chazal say, "Cover your head so that the fear of Heaven should be upon you." The implication is that one who does not wear a head covering is not afraid (of Hashem). Thus when a (haughty) gentile passes by, I raise my hat a little to demonstrate to him that I do not fear him!