Rude Manger and Associate-horrible return policy for defective merchandise!

I can't speak to the rudeness as I wasn't there and the OP doesn't
really specify what happened.

I can say that common sense dictates that sweaters not be hung to dry.
Of cource they will stretch out. The type of yarn determines how
extensive the stretching will be.

I've never heard of hanging a sweater in general (I was always tought
to fold them and put them in drawers), but to hang it to dry??
What????? Who does that? That's just lacking in common sense.

I do not put sweaters (or anything else besides underwear and workout
clothes) in the dryer because the heat makes clothes fade and shrink.
Depending on the sweater type, I lay it flat on a shelf we have in our
utility room or I hang it in the utility room. I've never had a
problem with a sweater stretching out to a point where it becomes a
"dress."

Also, I hang a few of my "work sweaters" in my closet mostly so that I
can easily find them should I want to wear them on a particular day.

It depends on the knit, the yarn, the weight, etc. Some can be hung
without any problems or stretching at all.

I posted a letter on here a while ago about a sweater (the first and
only sweater) I had purchased from Hollister. I washed the sweater and
it got a huge hole in it right where the sewn in tag was. Hollister
refused to exchange the sweater, even though at the time their receipt
stated that they would return/exchange defective merchandise. Because
of the lightweight fabric, I'm sure I was not the only one that had
the same problem. They refused the return, and I refused to shop there
again.

If I may be so bold--washing sweaters in a machine, even in cold
water, can lead to stretching. The agitation do the damage.

And hanging them to dry can also distort the shape. Think about
this: When you hang a sweater, the water drips to the lowest point,
the part closest to the floor. Water is heavy. The water will
stretch the sweater toward the floor.

You were dismissed because you did not adhere to the return policy.
That IS a valid reason.

They only take returns on items in "original condition"-brand new,
tags attached, unwashed, undamaged and unworn. This policy is clearly
printed on the back of your receipt. That policy, to me, says that
they do not stand behind their products. Even though you were very
vague about the rudeness of the employees, I believe that you were
probably treated rudely, as I had a similar experience not too long
ago. I had purchased a pair of fleece sweat pants, knowing that they
would be about 4 inches too long, but I bought them hoping my tailor
or mother in law could possibly hem them or at least cut off the extra
fabric and sew a new hem. I took the pants home, took them out of the
bag to examine the original hem in good lighting--there is very little
lightening in Hollister stores-to see if they could be hemmed and
found a small hole near the inseam at the bottom of one pant leg. I
returned the pants a few hours later and when asked the reason for the
return, I stated that there was a hole. I was told rather rudely that
"Hollister doesn't sell damaged clothing!" and there don't do returns
on damaged items. The guy's tone of voice was very condescending and I
felt like he was accusing me of damaging the pants and trying to scam
the store or something! Luckily, before I could argue with him, he
told another employee to "damage them out" and I got a full refund.
That store is so dark that I don't know how it is even possible for
them to find damage on anything prior to selling it! I was upfront
about the damage because I didn't want them put back on a shelf and
sold to someone else but I guess if this happens again, I will just
say I grabbed the wrong size or something!
But still, the return policy is very clear. If you can't get anywhere
with the store itself, trying calling corporate.

What was said in this conversation?

Of what material were the sweaters made?

What reason was given for denying the return?

You should never be treated harshly, but what happened prior to this
interaction heading in the wrong direction?

I agree with you completely.