Who could know?!?! It may have been the on site manager that challenged and the client simply passed the question along. A thousand variables could enter into a unique answer for this particular combo of MSC/client/local manager/associate. Were I in your shoes, I would try to chat with the scheduler about what is likely to unfold in future. "As a professional shopper, I am interested in how this may affect you view, or the client's reaction to, any future assignments that I complete." Or something like that.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.