I think its fair.

Everyone uses the term 'When in Rome' but there is one minor flaw to this argument, France isn't Rome and neither are other Western countries – most Western nations have modelled themselves as lands of freedom, freedom to do whatever you want as long as it doesn't impinge on the rights of others. Wearing a veil doesn't in my opinion, so it should be allowed.

I am going to make a bold, generalized statement here. In supposedly western cultures (whatever that may mean), hiding ones face is considered rude. To cover your face, or speak to someone with your sunglasses on without removing them in conversation, tells the recepient you have something to hide. Humans use facial cues to read one another.

Let's reverse the gender shall we? How would we feel if we had just men roaming the streets in ski masks? People usually cover their faces for nefarious reasons here. The last time I checked, Paris doesn't experiences sandstorms in the middle of July.

Lastly, if I were to visit a conservative country I know the drill. I'm not going to be walking out the door in a low cut mini dress. If I don't like it, I have a choice to visit/live there or not. If one is leaving such a country in the hopes of better opportunities in the west, don't come crying the blues about your human rights being violated, because you want to be covered head to toe. When in Rome.

I'm for freedom to wear whatever you want.