The idea that HR have anything to do with pilot recruitment or setting selection criteria is nonsense. It is handled, quite rightly, internally by the Flight Ops department and has been for many years. Most of the criteria were laid down under a previous, unlamented, frizzy haired management regime, which was notorious for its arbitrary policy making in many areas, including recruitment.
As for the recruiters themselves, the interview criteria are clearly specified. As to why the criteria is what it is, see above.