Dear Yasmin, what type of question have you asked? Can it be a policy on the part of HR to be rude? Whether HR or otherwise, we must be polite. Occasionally, HR is under pressure, and they could be projecting their frustration onto the lower-level staff. However, this is an individual problem rather than painting the entire HR department in a negative light.
Lastly, could you please provide us with the context of your query? There is no alternative to politeness, courtesy, and civility. But then, why have you raised a query about an alternative?
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar