I would think that at this point they _are_ interested in bringing you on. Then you could go in different directions:
"I'll be glad to discuss my salary requirements at the appropriate time, would you please tell me first how badly do you need me? more about ... say work-life balance, employee rotation, non-monetary perks, whatever...
"Let me tell you about how much more value I bring to my work, many times over salary, which I am ready to do for you, because your great company really prizes the beneficial effect I'll bring to the bottom line."
So you're answering, things they want to hear, not exactly what they asked, but better, for you and for them.
I should listen to myself now. (Edited formatting, structure)
None of that actually works. I'm not sure why you think it does but the HR "drone" that acts as a Gatekeeper requires a dollar figure to put into the box or they punt you, like the comment you are replying to says.
It doesn't happen often [at least for me] but it does happen. I have similar issues when I decline to put an "Education" section on my resume. Both are groups I'd prefer to avoid, personally, but you do need to recognize there is a certain percentage of people that won't work with due to their process.
I would think that at this point they _are_ interested in bringing you on. Then you could go in different directions:
"I'll be glad to discuss my salary requirements at the appropriate time, would you please tell me first how badly do you need me? more about ... say work-life balance, employee rotation, non-monetary perks, whatever...
"Let me tell you about how much more value I bring to my work, many times over salary, which I am ready to do for you, because your great company really prizes the beneficial effect I'll bring to the bottom line."
So you're answering, things they want to hear, not exactly what they asked, but better, for you and for them.
I should listen to myself now. (Edited formatting, structure)