While in Cancun last year a DM saw me put on a pair of gloves and told me of the no glove policy. I explained that my wife was a new OW diver who still was having some buoyancy issues. I went on and stated I can take care of my wife or she (the DM) could babysit her. The DM said the rule is to protect the reef and I explained I was well aware as a diver with a Project AWARE Specialty should be. I was told I could wear the gloves and as I completed my gear up I noticed that the DM was also wearing gloves.
Later, after the days diving was done I just had to ask what the real story is about the rule. I was told it is just a way to keep the tourists from touching everything and doing damage.