As DH is a muslim i have learnt a bit about the hijab in the past few years and I think this liberating aspect of it is wonderful:
By covering muslim women refuse to participate in becoming objects for a male gaze and force interaction that is based upon mental engagement rather than physical appearance.
In western society, women are judged so much more on appearance than men. Even we women do it. I find myself noticing Julia Gillard's many changes in hair do rather than listening to her speak I think it would be very liberating to wear it and take away some of the competetiveness women have toward each other.