What is the cutoff for in person check-in/bag drop at Paris CDG for BA for flight to LHR?

I was unfortunately running very late yesterday and only made it to desks at (exactly) 52 minutes prior to my flight. The desks were open as there was a later flight but they were VERY irritated at my late arrival, especially since I had a bag to check. The checkin manager visibly rolled her eyes at me and had to phone someone. They checked me in but then said bluntly I was very lucky as I was late and they had closed the checkin at 1 hour before the flight.

I did not plan to be late and I do not like cutting it that close. However I assumed all short haul destinations had a 45min bag drop/checkin deadline. Had they closed checkin for the flight prematurely, or were they correct in saying that I needed be there at T-60mins and they were doing me a favor by checking me in "late"?

Fortunately the airport was dead and fasttrack security+immigration was a breeze and I was through to the gate in < 10mins - arrived at gate about 25mins before boarding started. As a side note, I had not been able to checkin online due to a visa check required for my (next day) connecting flight from LHR.

EDIT: Thanks for replies below. Sounds like I was lucky and should be extra nice to the staff at CDG next time.