My 2 cents. I agree with the seeming concensus that it's probably a work-wife, work-husband relationship. But what a thing to say that he respects her more! That feels like something he said with an intent to hurt you. A spiteful thing to say.

I could understand how he could respect her differently, you are in a different sphere of his life. You don't work in his workplace to make a professional respect comparison with you. And she is not his wife. Is he saying he does not value a wife, or just you as a wife (not sure which one's worse!) How can he compare you and her? Sheesh. Men!!