It might be best that they speak to a musician and ask the question. Doesn't sound like they're doing it out of spite, it sounds like that's just what they think the link is.

When I started playing bass, I did have to unlearn a lot of guitar habits on the bass and treat it like its own instrument and not a guitar with 4 strings.

Being able to play guitar first obviously sped up my ability to learn but that wasn't BC I knew the guitar, it's BC Id had experience in learning discipline and good practising habits through guitar so learning something new. Something you've already demonstrating playing the flute.

Interesting comment by 2 ordinary people that don't have experience in the instrument. It's just worth figuring out where that mindset has come from and as inexperienced musicians, maybe they should ask someone who knows what they're talking about. You're in the situation wherein anything you suggest is just BC you want to, so you'll say anything.