Given that there is no report button or ability to downvote someone that replies to you (at least not on mobile for me), it is only reasonable to defend myself in that situation.
The ensuing attacker went to my profile, researched me and my business, and personally attacked me because they disagreed with my sentiment.
What is my recourse for action in such a case? Take it on the chin like a wimp? I don't think so.
If you don't provide appropriate tools to stop a tit attack, then you are fostering an unfair and "unsafe" environment by banning tit-for-tat response.
You are turning this community into a one-way echo chamber.