I have had a couple "conversations" with a members of the public about detecting, not much of a contest really
in my day job I work in a front line role and normally dealing with Mr or Mrs very angry most days, so water off a ducks back to me, I can appreciate it can be upsetting at the time, but put in perspective it is not a common occurrence and in the main people are just curious
Mind you I have used the line once " I'm so sorry, I think you have made a mistake you obviously think you are talking to someone who cares " that went down well
I normally tell them that I am in fact complying with the law and that
( if they are ranting and being abusive ) they are in danger of falling foul of the law, the main thing is to keep calm and don't get abusive as that is the road to ruin offer to call your local Bobbie if they are that sure of themselves as you are the one being verbally assaulted whilst pursuing a lawful activity
that normally works
Cheers
Rog