You were both in the wrong imo . The guy behind you is undeniably a jerk but reclining before take off is inconsiderate because it makes it much harder for the people behind you to stow their stuff and get comfy. It could also be viewed as being inconsiderate to the crew as one of them may have to come and tell you that reclining during take-off is banned - they don't know that you are planning to re-upright