Nova, what you find offensive is just the norm for the women here. What you find offensive maybe what is comfort and ease for the women here. Things were not like this in the 70s, different eras bring about different rules. I am sure in years to come there will be change once again-no one can say for sure. I have seen doctors/nurses (female) just wear the white coats-no abayas. The abaya aspect is more of conforming aspect as Scott has suggested-for the ones that take it off when abroad. There are cities that are more strict and ones that are less. There are women who wear hijab for modesty or the ones who wear it with makeup out of their own choice because their perception is what it is. It's not one strict rule. That's what I'm trying to say.