I found the last sentence sad, though not unexpected:
The TSA says disciplinary action has been taken against
one of its employees for inappropriate tone and language.
Of course, tone and language aren't the crux of the problem here - stomping of a passenger's rights. That wasn't acknowledged (according to the article).
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. It's fine to apologize for using inappropriate tone, but at least acknowledge or apologize for not understanding the law or your mandate.
No see, that would be an acknowledgment of guilt for an actual illegal act by the TSA, which opens up a huge can 'o worms for liability. They will never admit something like this until compelled to do so by a court of law.
I hate to get all high and mighty, but my impression of the TSA and the CBP is that they are both goon squads staffed by people who are so otherwise powerless in life that they have to take it out on average civilians.