When you decide something is the right thing to do, don't hide from doing it just because people might misunderstand. If what you're doing is wrong, then don't do it at all. But if it's right, why worry about people who criticize you unfairly?
When you do anything from a clear judgment that it ought to be done, never shrink from being seen to do it, even though the world should misunderstand it; for if you are not acting rightly, shun the action itself; if you are, why fear those who wrongly censure you?