I would try to find a diplomatic but assertive way to clear the air, and get straight answers, if only to save yourself from ruminating about it.

You are definitely articulate, experienced, wise enough, and and clearly old enough to be able to do this without causing any kind of WW3.

And if he doesn't respond well, or promptly and very clearly, I would not hesitate to go right over his head.

You deserve answers. The day and age when a non-conformist hairstyle and a few piercings prevented anyone from being taken seriously on an intellectual level are LONG past.

Respectfully,

MG (((hug)))