I'm taking my chance to talk about fun magic and fun witch shit because it's on topic and the ones on the internet aren't having a good time right now.
I don't think they can really comprehend WHY he has shielding against their negative bullshit. Because once they do, they'd realize they're in the wrong, and his conviction is far stronger than theirs.
The concept of holiness also just doesn't register to them, because that's what their circle is supposed to be, the holy one. The right one. It's indicative of the larger problem of narrow-mindedness that's caused them to create their hugboxes to begin with, and is no doubt fueling their rage right now.
Or, they're aware of the concept of holiness from the traditional perspective but have thrown it away with no regards for its lessons and teachings, making them genuinely awful people instead of just outright retarded. Salem's bad bread issue would be child's play compared to what would happen if that city got its hands on the reddit and tiktok covens.