I wouldn't call it a hate crime, but it always seems lecherous and while it could be taken as a cheeky compliment it can just as easily make someone uncomfortable. I don't like the whole idea of if women make themselves look nice they shouldn't complain about the attention, that's the first step on the slippery slope of 'asking for it'. A lot of people try to look good for their own confidence as much as anything.
I like Tony's point about it being a bit On The Buses, it seems like a relic from that time. Shouting about someone's arse from a passing van, telling women to smile or cheer up, that kind of thing. Bit 70s.