<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
"I'm going to need you to change your gloves." in a polite, firm voice always works.
Make sure that your tone of voice indicates that it is a statement and not a request. Be prepared for childish reprecussions such as a delay or a more thourough search, but do not take no for an answer, </font>
TSA people are sometimes terse, sometimes friendly. What is your order (not request) has the following response:
TSA: Step back, sir.
TSA: You have the right to refuse inspection. However, such refusal will result in denial of access to the gate area.
Passenger: (again) I'm going to need you to change your gloves.
TSA: Step back, sir. If you disobey, you will be resisting an order from a federal officer. You may be subject to arrest.
TSA: Please follow me to the rectal inspection room. We will complete this search in about 30 mintues. (The TSA agent does change her gloves for the rectal exam).
TSA: Oops, I dropped your laptop. You can file a claim and see what happens.
They don't owe you an explanation. However, they may later say that the gloves are intended to protect the TSA agent, not the passenger's things.
My advice is to choose your battles carefully and try to protect yourself by packing with clear bags as someone suggested.