Open ended question - judgements

A toddler who has no trouble walking goes with her mom and the kid asked to walk on their own. But since it's a new place and distracted by lights falling every step as a mom what would you do.

What I did is I tried to assure her and make her to focus on her steps and path.

Reaction from the bystander,

A group of guys borderline angrily told me to carry her out.

A couple was concerned and hissing but shying away from making a comment at me.

I am a mother still believing in my child in a normal scenario or in a park I would let her fall and guide her to get back up as I know she won't be injured hard but learns an important lesson to guide herself and walk with more focus next time.

Even though my intentions were right others expectations of my parenting method made me feel uncomfortable what you would have done.