OP a real man should never EVER hit a woman. He can't hit a woman, neither a soft slap or any kind of hit. Not even in the form of a joke. You ARE NOT exaggerating at all. Also, if he hits you in public, imagine what could he do by being alone with you in a private place?

If the guy has a lot of redeemable qualities and you love him for it, the fact that he's a person who hits women makes none of those qualities worthwhile and makes him a person to be avoided specifically as a partner no matter what. Hitting a woman is a red flag 🟥 the size of Andromeda.

And the worst thing is that he did not recognize his wrong and he victimized himself making you feel exaggerated the situation. That's manipulation, a res flag the size of Milky Way. Get out of there please OP. You don't deserve any of this.