This is a copy of the response I received from the TSA about my complaint:

Thank you for your e-mail.

The Trans­porta­tion Security Ad­min­is­tra­tion's current security screening procedures require all carry-on luggage and accessible property be screened before passengers take them onboard an aircraft. Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Trans­porta­tion Security Officers (TSO's) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.

Therefore, TSA security screening personnel make the final decision on whether to permit items like a Tide pen into the sterile area of the airport. Should you need additional assistance, feel free to contact us at toll free 866-289-9673.

Please visit our website at www.tsa.gov (http://www.tsa.gov/) for additional in­for­ma­tion about TSA. We continue to add new in­for­ma­tion and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated in­for­ma­tion.

We hope this in­for­ma­tion is helpful.

TSA Contact Center