Probably would've been best to explain that the comment was a joke and where it originated. I feel the best attitude to have in that situation is a friendly "eh, shit happens, let's try again." Kindness goes a long way.
I do this with lower level dungeons. I have locked at characters at regular intervals for the sole purpose of guiding and helping. I get a TON of gratitude, especially in the 50-60 range from people who really don't know the Blackrock dungeons. I just ask people pay the kindness forward.