[spacebandit]

I agree that is is totally ridiculous.

But

Laws of another country, even if we find them ridiculous are the laws of another country.

In this country it is a long-standing legal principle that ignorance of the law is no defence in law.

We would want our laws enforced, and so even though I think its ridiculous, its the law of the country he was visiting and a guest should obey the rules of the house.

It remains to be seen if his apology is enough, but the ridiculous puritanism on display should, frankly, make people think twice about where they go.