I remember just prior to the first Gulf war, we had female members of the military deploy to Saudi Arabia. It was explained to them that while they were free not to wear the Hajab, they would create less cultural stress if they did.
Some of our ladies choose to wear them, some refused. Looking back, it did not seem to make a difference either way. While some considered it a form of enforced sexism, others considered it a part of their culture.
In Islam, it has its roots in both the Qur'an and the Hadith.
It should be noted that other religions use headgear as symbols of their faith also
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