I'm from Austria, we remove our shoes in the antechamber - it's basic - except for cops lol, they don't remove their shoes when they enter your home (and before you ask, no they didn't come for me lol) - and it's irritating.
But, besides that I didn't even notice, I find it a super weird request :D
Sorry if I was a bit overly dramatic initially. I didn't mean to offend I was just a bit shocked ;)