I am sorry that your hug turned into something embarrassing. But I don't think that the receptionist commenting means that you should stop hugging. If you like the hugs-which it sounds like you do.

Makes sense that t would hug in the waiting room, especially with your past. I can see that it would feel safe to have other people around.

To me, it sounds like the friendly receptionist was just being, well, friendly. I think it is fine to ask her to not comment anymore because of your discomfort, but please don't think that her comment nor your discomfort when she commented mean that the hugs need to stop.