You probably did catch them off guard. They have grown used to the almost Canadian stereotype like meekness of the aTm fans, when they are confronted about their weirdness, so they apologize for being weird and say stuff like it is traditions.
I will be honest, it really caught me off guard in 2012, after the aTm fans in our section patted me on the back and apologized for winning. Creeped me the fuck right out. I was just sitting there waiting on the crowd to thin out, like I always did, not moping and even if I was, I was sure not used to that weird shit.
I know that nobody should try to compare aTm fans with Horns fans but I can understand those who have not spent the last 14 around you assholes, not understanding that fact yet. Give them time. Just like we all came to realize how creepy aTm fans are, they will come to know what assholes you guys are and thus come to understand not to be shocked when you give as good as you get.