Bad dog walking experience

I was walking my dog and then there was an old man and his dog who was off the lead. His dog runs up and excites mine and he was just standing there and i didn't want to be rude so i decided to put my dog off lead temporarily until he calms down when he plays (since he is hard to control around other dogs while on lead). So he saw me have trouble taking dog off lead and i thought he put dog back on lead to help me let my dog play with his. Then he starts yelling at me and making me feel like an idiot. This really bothers me, especially since i was shocked at his rudeness and couldn't say anything back. Was i in the wrong? All dog owners seem to have different reactions and i'm not very knowledgeable about the rules of dog walking.

What made you decide to let your dog off lead? How did you know your dog or the other dog for that matter wouldn't have acted inappropriately? I myself would not have done that, but there really are no "dog walking rules". We cannot and should not take chances with how dogs are going to respond. I suggest if you see the "old man" again, apologize for what happened and don't let it rent space in your brain. :)