Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 35

The great warriors will believe that you withdrew from the battle through fear, and you will be lightly regarded by those who thought highly of you.

The very people who respect you most would read your exit as fear, not love.

Arjuna's hesitation actually comes from love for his family, but no one watching would see it that way. The generals who admire him would only see a warrior who ran.