I know it's up to them to interprete the code as they please.
But it ISN'T up to an inspector to interpret code "as they please". They can ONLY enforce the codes as adopted in the particular jurisdiction. If they are trying to enforce something that isn't in the NEC, then that requirement needs to be spelled out as a "local amendment" to the NEC, and the inspector needs to be able to cite the local regulation/ordinance "chapter and verse" (and provide you a copy), or he doesn't have a leg to stand on.
