This is certainly an improvement over the previous status quo where the rules forbid washing the feet of women but the Pope was doing it anyway and no one was sure what they were supposed to do.
The question here is whether the foot washing at Mass on Holy Thursday is supposed to be reflective of the Jesus washing the feet of only the apostles (thus Catholic men only) or him commanding the disciples to go and do likewise to serve others (thus everyone). Pope Francis has decided to allow bishops and priests to make that decision rather than mandating the former.
I don't understand what appeal the former interpretation,
as an interpretation (as opposed to 'as 'the way it's been done''), would have to nearly anybody, honestly.
