It does sound quite harsh when read like that and you're right that it could be worded better.

We need to also remember that the world is full of different people with cultures that are different to ours. In that part of the world people are generally quite straight forward and traditionally speak in a way that gets to the point. Sometimes they say things that work perfectly well with no issues in their own culture but are received differently in others.

I'm reminded of the way talk shows with politicians work in Pakistan compared to the UK. Here we have people who are generally well mannered while in Pakistani shows there's a lot of loud arguing which to us looks like it's about to break into a fight. Again what's expected of people here is different to what is expected in Pakistan.