Hopefully the Imam apologized to her saying he was not allowed to shake any woman's hand who was not his wife (or possibly a close relative).
It would be the same if he was an ultra-Orthodox rabbi, or even just an ordinary ultra-orthodox Jewish man. And if it was a rabbi or ultra-orthodox man he would apologize and explain that it was prohibited under religious law, with no insult intended.
I'm no rabbi, but I know to not offer to shake an ultra-orthodox Jewish woman's hand. Mind you, if she offers it first, which is unlikely, I would be allowed.
I have experienced situations when I have been introduced to Jewish women in business settings, who were ultra-Orthodox, but I didn't know it. They politely declined my handshake with gentle explanations.
As far as I know, in both religions it is to prevent any sexual temptations, as unlikely as they would be from mere handshakes.
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