Why was psychoanalysis so unpopular when it was invented?

One of the main reasons why Freud's original psychoanalysis was unpopular at the time was because during Freud's sessions with women who were suffering 'hysteria' he discovered that many of the women discussed unpleasant childhood sexual experiences (what would be deemed today as sexual abuse). When Freud made this information public, there was a huge backlash because the patriarchal society of the time refused to accept this. In response to this, Freud then changed his theory and stated that these disturbing 'memories' were not actually reality but were the result of the child's repressed sexual desires. Some critics claim that this was Freud's 'morale cowardice', as he somewhat altered his theory to appease the society and deter rejection. Having said that Freud psycho-sexual stages were also hugely controversial at the time but he stood by it.