No they were not. These are the local people throwing their weight around.
I am ok with any place as far as they mention everything clearly before booking, because then it's an informed decision.
Here in India also we have the same practice that the housekeeping will do the cleaning part even if you are away. If you do not wish them to enter the room, you can switch on the do-not-disturb sign, then they will not. All of the housekeeping people are honest. Till date I have never had experience of any missing things in this situation.