Is it true that the Japanese differentiate between honne (true intention) and tatemae (enunciated principle) depending on the situation?

Some foreigners criticize the Japanese for not expressing their opinions or for having two differing opinions.
However, in the Japanese vertical society where order is maintained by tatemae more than honne, this is considered necessary for keeping social harmony.
The tactics of tatemae (enunciated principle) are often used in order to solve problems efficiently without hurting anyone, while pushing one's opinions too hard tends to be avoided.