It is contrary, but busy body control freaks that have an ounce of power have to assert it to feel some kind of self worth. Rationality is irrelevant.

Here's a case in point from the corporate world. I worked in a research building that had many different labs and support areas. My lab was a computer lab where we developed software and besides getting a hangnail from keyboard use we were in no physical danger. Other labs were chemical and machining areas. Entries to these various areas had "[something]LAB #XX" on the entry door. Upper management made it a rule that all personnel working in a "lab" had to wear safety glasses and possibly other equipment. Sure enough a control freak "safety inspector" came through our door and wrote up all of us who weren't wearing safety glasses at our terminals. No amount of rational explanations or thought could get the letters rescinded. We installed a buzzer and flashing LEDs on the door so when it sounded we all would put on "safety glasses". Some got creative (me included) and taped Groucho Marx eyebrows, noses, and mustaches on our glasses. The little Napoleon knew what we were doing and mocking him, but there was nothing he could do. Eventually he left us alone. You don't fool with the techies.