Unless the records access officer determines that an application to inspect and/or copy records pertains to information that is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law, he or she shall grant the application. If the records access officer determines that an application to inspect and/or copy records pertains to information exempted from disclosure by the Freedom of Information Law, he or she may deny such application. In denying the application to inspect and/or copy records, the records access officer shall indicate his or her reason for such denial and shall advise the applicant of his or her right to appeal such denial to the executive director.