Scale Experiments

Spring Scale
http://physicstasks.eu/930/spring-scale-on-the-pole-and-on-the-equator

Practical calculations for engineers

https://www.pmfias.com/pressure-belts-pressure-systems-equatorial-low-sub-tropical-high-sub-polar-low-polar-high/

and further down:

https://www.arlynscales.com/scale-knowledge/factors-can-affect-scales-accuracy/

Barometer
A scale that measures the weight of the atmosphere is called the "barometer".

Air pressure does not affect the scale trivially. See the following illustration and text:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/fair-or-foul-how-to-use-a-barometer/



Q. Sure, but are we talking about being at 18,000' versus sea level or at a pole versus the equator?

A. The difference between those two locations isn't necessarily as radical. The point is that farcical promotional stunts are being presented as fact, without control for other variables.