Did I do the right thing?

Alright so I was grabbing dinner the other night, and this woman saw my buddha necklace. She started to make fun of it by doing this dance that people often consider to be a dance in Saudi Arabia. She starts to say that i'm going to hell for not believing in Jesus. Well i'm buddhist now and was very offended so I nearly said a few things to her, but I managed to regain control of my anger and just keep my mouth quiet. Was it good that I stayed quiet or should I have defended my beliefs, because in buddhism you are supposed to avoid all confrontations unless its in self defense or to protect an innocent person?

There is nothing wrong with an intelligent discussion of religion or politics but nobody owes strangers on the street an explaination for anything. Her behavior sounds more like a drunk looking for attention than someone interested in your beliefs.

Why should a person feel the need to "defend" their religion? The great paradox of history is that so many people have died fighting over the best path to peace and brotherhood. What you experienced was a random act of ignorance.

Along with what Rob said, keep in mind also that when encountering people like this, you're likely never going to see them again. So why waste the energy on them?

It is okay, with what you did. Anger comes out, just ask Buddha that you may control your anger. Remember to forget them, they will always laugh at you, just let it aside, and don't waste your time.