The Captain has the authority to do whenever he wants in an emergency, including deviating from any SOPīs he deems necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Period.
The Commander shall, in an emergency situation that requires immediate
decision and action, take any action he considers necessary under the
circumstances. In such an event, he may deviate from rules, operational
procedures, and methods in the interest of safety.
Have authority to give all commands he deems necessary for the purpose of
securing the safety of the aircraft and of persons carried therein, and all persons
carried in the aircraft shall obey such commands;
It was his decision, thats whats he's/ she's paid for. NO ONE here knows what the circumstances were so cannot make a judgement.