Just to be clear: the store owner (old man) is not the player character. He is just the character that makes upgrades to the camera.
As part of the story, one is not forced to take sides with him or even agree with his view. The scene around him being with a younger woman is actually about the opportunity to expose him.
However, I don’t want to dismiss your feedback. So far I have heard little negative feedback regarding this character, but I will have a close eye on it.