It's the entire plot point of the Kyoshi Warriors. Take out Sokka's sexism and there's no need for a group of female warriors. Nothing would have been lost from the episode that pushed Aang further along his path.

How Netflix addressed it was about Sokka feeling inadequate as a man and seeing all these women who could do the things he wished he could. So he shyly and politely asked to be taught.

It's a good change.