You’re detracting from your original argument. Whether it is or is not a part of the religion is immaterial – the fact remains its chosen to be worn be a very small segment of a minority group. I agree it has security implications, but I have yet to hear that argument come up in the media. It’s all related to a vague construct they call “anxieties.” Yes Muslims are free in the west, but honestly, I don’t see my freedom here much different from the kind I experienced growing up in Pakistan. Didn’t go to the mosque there nor do I go to one here – though for entirely different reasons.