I remember after joining a nameless company here in the UK and filling out all the paperwork. Someone from HR came over to me to explain I had missed filling out a form.
I asked which form and they replied the Working Time directive opt out. I explained that 48 hours was more than enough time to do my job and that I had deliberate not signed it. They looked at me confused and then went away. It annoys me when they assume you should fill it it like that though.
Yes. I had the same situation when starting a job a few years back... the managers just seemed confused that I'd bothered to take the time to understand what I'd meant more than anything. Guess they were just used to hiring people for their ability to follow instructions to the letter.
They didn't refuse to hire you?
No, that would be illegal, it's up to you as an individual if you are prepared to work more hours. They cannot legally force you to.