They were progressive enough to introduce more ethnic diversity, but I guess long-haired male elves are too much to ask for in our day and age.
If there was an attempt to make a statement, I don't see why the responsible parties would disregard this opportunity. Seeing as men with long hair tend to struggle in society. Just the other day two young men got assaulted around where I live for having long hair. One of them got his scalp shaved off.
Just to be clear, I didn't come into this expecting to dislike the series. I didn't mind a lot of the things other people have complained about. But somehow the responsible party managed to take a swipe at something I did care about.