To fix something, sometimes you need to (mind) break it first. But i wonder if he'll pat her head while hugging her in the next chapter, Sato be like "oh no, she nervous, i better give her a gentle pat on the head while hugging her, i remember Sakura likes it (ch35)".
A passionate hug is very possible as his thanks to Hana since this hugging event definitely makes him closer to the girls since he thought he messed up his self introduction.