MEM TRACON Controller claimed the Tower Supervisors instructions regarding the landing runway assignment was inappropriate considering the crosswind factors and traffic conditions.

Narrative

I was working arrival sectors combined at Memphis TRACON; when an SR22 checked in 45 miles southeast of MEM; landing at MEM. Winds were 290 at 19 KTS; so I assigned Runway 27. A few minutes later; MEM Tower showed (via automation) that Runway 27 was released to Ground Control; common practice to avoid potential issues with aircraft crossing that runway; in order to quickly taxi to Runway 36L/R. I called the Tower Coordinator (CC) position to advise them that a SR22 would need to use Runway 27 due to the wind; but the position was not staffed. So; I called Local-2 with the coordination; but was told I'd have to speak with a Supervisor. But; I never heard from anyone. So; when the aircraft was 10 miles out; I issued a visual approach clearance to Runway 27 and issued a frequency change to the Tower. A minute or two later; the pilot came back to verify he had the right frequency; because whoever he spoke to said they didn't have a Runway 27. I called the Tower again; explained what I'd been told; and asked what was happening. The Controller said to have the pilot call them again. I apologized to the pilot for the confusion; re-issued the clearance for Runway 27; and issued the frequency change to the pilot. I then watched the Tower apparently circle the aircraft for a right downwind for Runway 36R. The pilot landed without incident. At the time of landing; the winds were 290 at 9 KTS; but the ATIS was broadcasting winds 300 at 15 KTS; gusting to 25; and winds had been fluctuating all day. I feel this was a potentially dangerous situation for pilot; as the Cirrus owner's manual lists the maximum crosswind component as 15 KTS. Additionally; the pilot was likely confused by the last-minute runway change. After the fact; I learned from Tower Controllers that they wanted to let the aircraft land on Runway 27; but were instructed to do otherwise by the Supervisor. Because of the time of day; and previous day's weather issues/delays; I was told that there weren't enough outbound aircraft to warrant an 'operational necessity' explanation for forcing the pilot of the SR22; to land with such a crosswind. This is not first issue that either Tower or TRACON Controllers have had with this particular Supervisor.