Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) (AP File Photo)

(CNSNews.com) – GOP presidential candidate Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that it would be “sexist” to think Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton should not be treated as aggressively as a man.

“I think that that would be a sexist response to say, ‘Oh my goodness, she deserves not to be treated as aggressively because she’s only a woman,’” Paul said in reference to Clinton. “I would never say that about anybody.”

CNN host Dana Bash asked Paul: “What about if you’re on the stage with Hillary Clinton? Will you be cognizant of the fact that she will be a female opponent?”

“I’m always polite, and even in all the interviews where I’m accused of maybe being too aggressive. I’ve never yelled or screamed. I don’t get out of control. I do try to be polite and have always treated it that way. I would treat her with the same respect I would treat a man,” said Paul.

“I don’t come into our interview thinking, ‘Okay, it’s a woman vs. a man kind of interview.’ I just think she’s going to ask tough questions, he’s going to ask tough questions. I gotta be prepared,” he added.