Although it is the right thing to do, it is a PR reaction to all the outrage from press and social media. If they had not gotten such bad reaction, does anyone think they would have changed policy? No way. They saw the response of women (that they are so desperately trying to make fans) and realized they were idiots. At least they did not wait until the end of the season.
At least you only have to beat a woman twice for a lifetime ban. It takes three failed drug tests to get a year's suspension. I think a fourth one is a lifetime ban.
The Commish said he screwed up in the Rice deal. You are correct, the backlash was more than they expected.