I find it difficult to comprehend what is so confronting about the niqab? I can read the expressions of someone with a niqab. I knew when she was happy, upset, angry because of her tone of voice and the expressions in her eyes and this was in a professional work environment.

RockinSAHD - I bet you don't see many women wearing the niqab in Rockingham so I understand your possible fear. It's the environment around you that has contributed to this fear. I don't think I can answer your question about recognising a friend from far distance.
Though I don't live in Rockingham, where I do live is very White-centric which I don't like. I don't fear Muslims, one of my close friends is a devout Muslim and i have worked with many.
I have my own complex issues with the niqab but wish the world was a lot more accommodating of people who choose to wear one. (especially French politicians and American traffic police IYKWIM)

I laughed at thought of a woman wearing a niqab with brightly coloured socks! that's great!