My thought is that the phrase is so popular because it is so profound and universal. It ranks up there with the very best sentences written by anyone ever.

If it has been twisted into an attack on character, well, that is reprehensible and should be remedied. But those who do this do not escape judgment: we can judge the character of those who attack and degrade the character of others as loathsome.

That is the brilliance of the quote. It will not serve to shield anyone who willfully engages in wickedness.

So, no, I don't think one needs to particularly fear that this quote alone has been chosen primarily for nefarious reasons. I think it's just really, really compelling.