why my photo was rejected

It's not too hard to clone them out in photoshop or similar editing program, I clone out halos often.  I find it easier with a pen tablet. 

I'm going to be honest, even with the halos removed I'm not sure this photo would make it through though.  I believe I'm seeing both natural daylight mixed with an interior incandescent light?  I've never been successful at correcting white balance under these conditions and suspect the photo would need to be taken again using flash or without mixed lighting at the very least.