Safari and Outdoor - Returns Policy

Bought a pair of electronic ear plugs for noise reduction on the 17th January. Tried them out over the weekend during work and they were most uncomfortable and didnt suit my purpose. I tried returning them on the 23rd January within the 7days. Only to be told I cannot return these R2600 pair of useless ear plugs because i opened them and used one pair of the 4 ear pads. The removable rubber ear pads can be replaced. Mr Gavin Nel from the store said he does not need a sign to state returns are not acceptable on ear plugs. Is this Consumer Protection?