I want to commend you for validating your son’s feelings and allowing him to work through his reactions, without judgement or admonishment.
My reaction would have been different, more along the lines of “suck it up, buttercup,” and focusing on how these decisions aren’t personal and he wasn’t entitled to any acceptance. I won’t psychoanalyze the reasons for my response, but I acknowledge that the way you handled this situation likely led to a much healthier and more positive outcome for your whole family.