In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Firstly, it must be borne in mind that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not speak of his own accord. Whatever he said was a divine revelation from Allah (glorified and exalted be He). Allah (glorified and exalted be He) says in the Quran describing the Prophet (peace be upon him): Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed. [53:3-4]

Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was always very concerned about the state and guidance of his people. Allah (glorified and exalted be He) described the Prophet (peace be upon him): A Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering distresses him: he is deeply concerned for you and full of kindness and mercy towards the believers. [9:128]

Likewise, the Prophet (peace be upon him)’s teachings were very comprehensive. There was no good action except that he encouraged his nation to perform it and no evil except that he warned his people about it and encouraged them to refrain from it. 

Considering the above, one can understand that the statements made in the hadith provided were due to the Prophet (peace be upon him)’s a great concern for the women of his nation and his intention was not to degrade them. 

This is ever more evident if one considers the rights Islam established for women by comparing the state of women before and after the advent of Islam. One may refer to the book ‘Women in Islam’ (http://www.womeninislam.ws/women-in-islam.pdf) for a detailed discussion of this.

Hence, it is clear the Prophet (peace be upon him) in this hadith addressed certain well-known aspects of women’s nature with the intention of elucidating the need for women to be aware of these things, so that they may conduct themselves wisely and hopefully protect themselves from the fire.