As it turns out, people don't like having to deal with police, nor do they like the idea of potentially losing a trial (especially in the court of public opinion).
I have no feelings towards the topic. I am merely summarizing what the consensus is writing on places like HN towards what Apple is doing.
The general sentiment does appear to be that the laws are misguided. That does not necessarily mean repeal is necessary. Augmentation may also provide a solution that satisfies their concerns. However, that is moving well beyond the topic at hand. There is no indication I can find that some kind of change is controversial. There is clear worry about the status quo based on the potential outcome of what information Apple may glean.
What remains is that Apple isn't anyone's real concern. An inanimate corporation can't do much to you. Apple is simply bringing attention to what actually concerns people, which is something that was already there all along.
