I don't care who cleared it, or how many times. I still don't want it pointed at me. There are plenty of ways to handle a gun in every shop I've ever been to without pointing it at other people, even if that's just aiming the muzzle at the floor. But, unfortunately the majority of the general public can't be relied upon to properly operate a turn signal, much less a handgun, so this is the crap you're going to get when you have to interact with them.
The counter guy should have known better, though, and instead of snapping at you should have gently explained to her why you objected and guide her towards a safe direction. It's as much his responsibility to educate his customer as a new gun owner as it is to make a sale. I'd probably be done with that shop and go find a place that's not staffed by jerks and doing a better job of furthering responsible gun ownership.
The counter guy should have known better, though, and instead of snapping at you should have gently explained to her why you objected and guide her towards a safe direction. It's as much his responsibility to educate his customer as a new gun owner as it is to make a sale. I'd probably be done with that shop and go find a place that's not staffed by jerks and doing a better job of furthering responsible gun ownership.