It's a matter of utter common sense.

Generally no one likes to be bothered when they're about their own business. Do you initiate conversations with random strangers (regardless of gender) on the bus/train/park, just because you think they want attention?

There's a term for certain spaces, specially in big cities, called 'non places'. These 'non places' are spaces that hold no significance for the majority of people, we simply move through them, and everyone around us does too. Busy streets, public transportation, shops/stores, etc.

These public spaces that we share with others are not meant for meaningful interactions, we simply use them because we need to, because they get us to other places.

Neither women nor men want to be unnecessarily stopped or talked to by a stranger, it's aggressive and even threatening.

Being in public doesn't mean we want to be in public, but most of us have to.

Of course, you may have a chat with someone who's sitting next to you, and you can tell based on their reaction if they're open to further interaction or not.

But when a man catcalls or 'hit on' women in public, it's not because they're thinking 'she wants my attention', it's a purely selfish and aggressive intention to demonstrate that they also exist in this space, and that somehow women should be flattered by this.

There are ways to interact with others in public places, from a non-sexual and non-male-only point of view. Like if someone needs help, or is lost, etc. Or a exchange of words about something that has just happened, even a friendly, well-worded compliment can be welcomed. We can meet new people, but depends heavily on many circumstances, not a general rule.