That question is a good opener, to test knowledge around crosswind limits or demonstrated crosswinds, part B limits versus manufacturer's recommendations, met reporting criteria for instant versus 2 minute wind, and technique... The 'PhD' answer, given unlimited time, might touch briefly on all those topics and more. It sounds like the OP got funnelled into entrenching his position having got it wrong. Many, many, have done so before. Some nonetheless passed. A good interviewer is looking at all-round performance and has few, if any, stop/go questions.
It amazes me that folk spend tens of thousands on training and nothing on learning how to get a job.
In another thread, I hinted about a friend of mine, an experienced interviewer and very able aviator, who had in the past run some free-of-charge interview training by email. I said that he might be willing to do so again for a group of candidates, and anyone interested should PM me.
I got one message.