Wow, you went through all this just because you didn't want to take off your shoes?

I'd say they were a bit miffed about your not yielding to their 'suggestion' and gave you a very intensive going-over to make a point.

Taking off my shoes doesn't bother me a bit. Maybe I should where my beach "flip-flops"? (winter might be a bit chilly, though!)

I don't think I would have done what you did, just to make a point about shoes. (aren't here none metalic explosives these days?)