Sentimentality passes for those in white hats? (7)
I believe the answer is:
goodies
'for those in white hats?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'sentimentality passes' is the wordplay.
'sentimentality' becomes 'goo' (informal term for sentimentality).
'passes' becomes 'dies' (passes away).
'goo'+'dies'='GOODIES'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for goodies that I've seen before include "Heroes; desirable items (informal)" , "Treats" , "Informally, nice people or edibles" , "nice things" .)