The demigods continued: Do not fear criticism for being younger than us. Such etiquette does not apply in regard to Vedic mantras. Except in relationship to Vedic mantras, seniority is determined by age, but one may offer respectful obeisances even to a younger person who is advanced in chanting Vedic mantras. Therefore although you are junior in relationship to us, you may become our priest without hesitation.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
न गर्हयन्ति ह्यर्थेषु यविष्ठाङ्घ्र्यभिवादनम् । छन्दोभ्योऽन्यत्र न ब्रह्मन् वयो ज्यैष्ठ्यस्य कारणम्
na garhayanti hyartheṣu yaviṣṭhāṅghryabhivādanam | chandobhyo'nyatra na brahman vayo jyaiṣṭhyasya kāraṇam
SB 6.7.33