Read the above quote from the Post story carefully. The interviewee was probably trying to defend us against what the reporter was insinuating, and the meaning was turned by characterizing the interviewee's tone of voice.
Advice to any government worker, soldier, or employee of a large corporation: Never think you are smart enough to outsmart a reporter.
Bottom line is, the Post tried to get proof that we engage in torture, and failed to get that proof. But they went with the story anyway. Sad to say, this disgraceful story will likely be used by the Iraqis to justify mistreatment of any caputured Americans.