sorry to read you had been subjected to such utter ignorance. And coming from a woman no less! Thats right , I know I will now get hate mail. LOL
Wearing a cultural garment is fine as long as you will not be committing cultural offense or insult. ie wearing a Native American Indian Medicine Man ceremonial shirt IF you are NOT a Native American Indian would be considered rude.
I do think it may not be respectful to wear the tartan of a family/Clan that is not yours. How ever if You want to wear a "traditional" tartan kilt but don't have a Clan tartan of your own, that is what a District tartan is for. There are dozens of tartans some one may wear even if they dont have a single drop of Scotts blood. The Masons, Clergy, tartans for almost every state in the USA, Armed forces. Scotland District tartans are amazing. In fact after my family tartan kilt, my second kilt is a Hollyrood District tartan and I get many compliments wearing it.
Now contemporary kilts such as those made by my friend Howie owner of http://www.21stcenturykilts.com
21st Century Kilts for the 21st Century Man! Any one may wear a contemporary kilt.
As a man of color when I wear my Kilts , i from time to time get dirty looks, and even the comment " What RIGHT do I have wearing a kilt!?!!"
Ignorance is so wide spread - If more people had the good grace to be open minded, and gracious. Because I "look Black", there is no way I "should be wearing a kilt." Curiosity is welcomed. I would be happy share the story of my family's history and Scottish ancestry.
So take it with a grain of salt. The lass who sounds a bit rude obviously did not respect you and your desire to wear what you want to wear.
Now if your interested in a Celtic Kilt Magic spell send me a private message.
Cheers