The real reason could have been exactly what they said - a problem reading the chip - or not. Perhaps your name is similar to someone else they are interested in. Only they will know.
Recourse? for what? delays are part and parcel of travel. Your delay was exceedingly minimal. But even if the delay had caused you to miss a flight/train/ship a country is not going to let itself be held financially responsible for exercising its sovereign duties to inspect persons attempting to cross its borders.
If you truly suspect your passport was tampered with then contact the passport agency of the country that issued it and ask them for advice. Depending upon your employer or line of work you might notify your employer's security department of the incident.