If I'd known about the policy, I wouldn't have suggested them. I'm sorry, hon.

No problem. I asked for suggestions and you gave me what sprang to mind. It isn't your fault that they are too rigid and unreasonably dogmatic, putting their policies ahead of the actual good of the cats.

Next place you visit, emphasise you live on a busy main road and there's a really good chance any cat you let outside would get run over. Better yet, ring and ask about their policy in advance.

I will definitely ask about this policy from any other shelter before I go there! I have no desire whatsoever to waste another afternoon chasing shadows (and enduring insults). I would have asked this time... except that it did not even remotely occur to me that protecting one's furry charges could disqualify one from being considered "suitable" people for adoption. Feh.

P.S. With regards to "I personally would not feel any guilt about allowing adult cats I might own outside access", I should point out that one does not own a cat -- or any other animal. One lives with cats, one cares for cats... but one does not own animals. They are thinking beings, not property. Just sayin'