Rejected for a Role Due to Disability: Thoughts?

I auditioned for a musical (Violet) today, & before the emails about callbacks were sent out the director (who is also a close friend) reached out to let me know that even though I had one of the best vocal auditions of the day, they cannot consider me for the role of Violet bc I use mobility aids. The reason being that the character being in a wheelchair would too fundamentally change the story bc Violet was in an accident that left her scarred (but not disabled), & they don’t want the audience to think that the negative reactions to her disfigurement are negative reactions to the wheelchair. I’m trying to understand their side, but when I otherwise would be good for the role it hurts so much not to have a shot at it bc of the thing that makes my daily life hell in the first place. They’re trying to be disability conscious instead of disability blind, but so far all they’ve done is hurt a disabled person. Thoughts? Am I overreacting? Or is this a crappy decision on their part?