have nothing to apologize for.

People get their backs a little stiff sometimes when they feel they are being judged. Or sometimes they get indignant when they don't or wouldn't make the cut and make themselves feel better by criticizing the criteria. It's kind of like, "you can't fire me, I quit." "If you expect me to wear a nice suit I wouldn't work for you anyway..."

There's room for all kinds of people. I probably wouldn't take your job either. I like working in the tech industry with casual dress standards. But if I wanted to work in your industry I would understand what the requirements are. If you want to get ahead you do what it takes in the given environment.