A recruiter is a third party and has a monetary reason to work with you to get you placed elsewhere.
Microsoft HR has no reason to expose themselves to anything that could possibly maybe someday involve a discrimination lawsuit. So why would they allow it?
The parent likely meant an internal recruiter, a role distinct from HR (probably much better paid too).
It is the job of such people to make you feel OK in hope you apply again for another position with the same company. I worked for few companies that had internal recruiters.
Microsoft HR has no reason to expose themselves to anything that could possibly maybe someday involve a discrimination lawsuit. So why would they allow it?