Why do some people apologize for getting emotional?

My late mom always told us to never apologize for showing our feeling and emotions otherwise we're apologizing for being real and honest. My mom NEVER apologized for showing feeling. When she talked about families especially younger kids suffering from illnesses or not having homes and all that, she broke down CRYING. My brothers, dad and I comforted her. My brothers said, "It's okay mom. Let it out." I said, "It's okay to cry." Like she told us. My mom was NEVER afraid to cry and express her feelings and I've always admired her for that. She was unapologetic about showing her feelings. One of our neighbors told us she is just doing that for attention and was angry at her for not apologizing for crying. Why should she? My mom had the right to show her feelings. Our neighbor always picked out mom saying she is so lucky to have a loving handsome husband and sweetheart for kids! I miss her so much. What do you guys think?