You are splitting hairs and trying to justify. If we really look at the language of the dress code its clear what the intent is.
Here is the exact language:
Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.
It uses the word MUST here. That's a pretty strong word. Men should in a COLLARED SHIRT (no tees), khakis, slacks, or dress shorts or jeans in good condition. That's pretty clear. Anything outside that is choosing to disregard the dress code.
Behaviors are connected, and patterns of behavior shape future behavior. That is accepted as fact in the realm of behavioral psychology. You cannot cherry pick and say that the ones you think are ok don't apply. They do. We all understand what the dress code is trying to get at, regardless of what specific words they use. They want you to dress appropriately for the restaurant.