I don't know if that is an allowable compliment in France. Maybe not in the US, but that's the sort of thing which it depends where you are and what age you are. I assume he meant well.
I think folks can reduce conversations to a series of tests of what is deemed offensive by the word police so much so that no one can say anything without fear. I prefer it when people have a bit more latitude and more attention to what a person intends.