It's just basic due diligence, and it's worth reviewing details when these topics come up. Maybe the new ideas aren't always fully baked, but they may have a point. Regular discussion is just part of the job.
I agree that hostility is not acceptable, but there are some people who take everything the wrong way when asked to perform. I get why it's threatening, but it is what it is.
I didn't take anything away that led me to believe the author was being hostile. He was asking for more effort than some might expect and they couldn't handle it. I don't really know who is right in that situation. What I do know is there are a lot of people who don't take work seriously enough and hide behind HR.