These remarks are particularly inappropriate. To question publicly the word of a renowned scientist like the author, in this case, and within a prestigious organization like the CNRS is not good for a forum with more or less scientific pretensions. Concerned links below:
Even the author of the linked article in the topic (link reproduced below) would not have dared this kind of questioning, discussing only substantive arguments. This is after all the way serious scientists discuss things, based on mutual trust, even in case of disagreement, which often happens.
You should not complain if one day such an organization or author (CNRS or another, or some scientist) takes it badly.