This sort of response happens at every level of engagement. I've read several accounts of the events leading to the American Revolution for independence. You would think there would be not correspondence between your problem and that of the American colonist 245 years ago. The colonists beef was British Parliament had no authority to tax tax them, although they were loyal to the king. Their position was no taxation without representation. The result was that loyal colonists as early as 1750 or so slowly began to sour on Brtain and ultimately led to war. This short historic tale is not likely to be of comfort. It may be true that everyone today may be under pressure but if you are in business, it should not spill over into customer relations.