stanweld,
The following is an excerpt from the abstract of "Hydrogen embrittlement of commercial purity titanium", Corrosion Science 44 (2002) 1875–1888, by C.L. Briant, et al:
the reason why this material was more susceptible to hydride formation and hydrogen embrittlement was because of the higher iron content of the grade 3 titanium. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Their reference [11] contends that iron contamination of the surface led to enhanced hydrogen embrittlement potential: [11] L.C. Convington, R.W. Schutz, ASTM-STP 728 (1981) 163–180.
And this is not even addressing any of the other concerns with reduced passivity in various corrosive environments. I would strongly adhere to your requirements for clean surfaces that are free from iron contamination. ASTM B 600 addresses iron contamination, how to eliminate it, etc. Your supplier is gravely misinformed/ignorant with respect to iron contamination and titanium.