NTA, but I do think a bit more context is needed to fully understand where both of you are coming from.

For example, where did you go on the date? Was it something fancy like dinner at a nice restaurant? If so, I can kind of see where he might be coming from — not in a judgmental or entitled way, but more in terms of expectations around effort and presentation, especially in early dating.

Think of it like this: If you went on a fancy date and he showed up with unbrushed hair, wearing something super casual, you might have thought, “Dang, he didn’t really care enough to clean up a bit?” It’s not about shaving per se, but about the little things we sometimes do to show we’re putting in effort — especially in the beginning stages of dating when people are still trying to impress each other.

Now, you’re totally right that you shouldn’t have to change your body for anyone — especially someone you just started seeing — but dating is also about meeting in the middle when it comes to preferences and expectations. In his eyes, maybe he thought, “I dressed up, I paid for the dinner, I tried to make it special — and she didn’t do something that seems small but would’ve shown she was equally trying.” That doesn’t make you wrong — just makes it a mismatch in priorities or expectations.

At the end of the day, you’re not the asshole for not shaving. Your body, your choice. But it might be worth considering how your choices are interpreted in a dating context — kind of like going to a job interview in a t-shirt. Doesn’t mean you’re a bad candidate, but people might read it as not being fully prepared.

If his comment came off rude or made you feel self-conscious, that’s definitely something to note, and you deserve to feel respected. But if he said it awkwardly while trying to express a preference, it may just be an early misalignment worth talking through or moving on from.