It is not mentioned on this page but it is still possible to have a (relatively) peaceful outcome even though you fail the first persuasion check and open the doors via the holotape. I opened the door and contrary to what the page said, Higgs did not attack me directly and hid in a corner. I killed a couple of synths but went up and talked to him. At this point, Max Loken convinces him to give up and the result is no loss of human life.
