The gemara says that one may not say "Shalom" to a woman because it engenders affection. Today the word "Shalom" is not considered anything more than a polite word and it is clear that there is no affection meant so many poskim permit it. But the principal remains in place - one may not say words to a woman that will bring קירוב הדעת - a sense of friendship. WHYYYYY??? Where is the דרך ארץ??
Why can't I shake a woman's hand?? [I know that many people do - but I don't. If when I get up to shomayim, they start by punishing me for this "aveira", I will know that I am in good shape]. BE A MENTSCH!! Shake her hand!!
The answer is that the importance of tzniyus which brings so much good to the world, overrides derech eretz. Period. No apologetics. No excuses. We are proud of our elevated level of purity. Today in particular we know where it leads to when people breach the barriers of tzniyus.
Says the Rav ztz"l [מידות הראי"ה - צניעות]:
