I understand what you were going for for a story and metaphorical perspective. That's how I solved it in the end, and it's actually a very good psychological puzzle idea. But walking through what very clearly seems to be a physical object goes against everything we've experienced so far in the game. I think just having a texture for the bars with collision off is.. strange. And not a great idea gameplay wise.
The way I solved the puzzle in the end was I began thinking, "Maybe I destroy the bars," thinking back to busting the boards with the sledgehammer. And because the swinging moves you forward, I just slid through while trying to smash them. Don't you think this might've been a smarter choice? By actually making the player feel like they're making a conscious choice and progressing, instead of.. Glitching out of bounds?