"My snakes are harmless and small."
"God created snakes too, just like all the other creatures."
"Really? I love all animals no matter what kind."
There's a lot of nonconfrontational comments you can make in response to most common objections. Most people who start out saying "I hate snakes!" ended up being fascinated by mine and ended up touching and admiring them somewhat even in a single meeting. Don't be defensive right away and you might change their minds just by being reasonable and showing them that reptiles are just animals like any other.
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