I have finally understood this, and the BLUFFER OF THE DAY AWARD goes to my painter Jean Chrétien. His remarks meant, in essence: I, Mr. Antony, and my sons have all as good as seen you naked, and we have discussed it.
It was an attempt to disarm so I would feel less confident about demanding quality work. In fact I do feel less confident, so I will not hire this company again or recommend them.
Note how Chrétien had presented the problem: I was compromising the morals of his sons by having a dress Mr. Antony figured out he could see through if he stared hard enough in strong light.
Axé.