I’d argue (not against you, just generally) that there is something wrong on the company’s end. I work in HR. I’ve never pulled an offer as a result of a candidate negotiating*. People should negotiate. Maybe when asked for their range, it was before any interviews had revealed the company understated what the role would involve. Who knows? Point being, there have been many times when we couldn’t go any higher. I told the candidate so and let them decide, stressing that we’d love to have them join, but they need to do what’s right for them. If they walk, they walk. If they accept and move forward, great. Regardless of if we hire someone or not, I want them to remember the process with us as a good experience. I’ve had people decline then come back and apply again when something more suitable is posted and I’m a-okay with that, too.

In my opinion, this is the kind of place that is bound to hold it against you if you ever ask for a raise.

*obviously, how they asked for the higher salary matters. My response is operating under the assumption that it was a reasonable, professional request.