Welcome to the world of aviation...due to a set of circumstances beyond your control you get stuck making the tough call and getting a tongue lashing. GOOD ON YOU for doing the right thing by not taking off overweight. The only advice I can offer is to somehow find a way to say yes and remain within limits. I would have offered to do a few laps around the pattern (solo) in order to get the weight down. There is always a way, you just might have to be creative.
C9