Further to - I would argue that anyone who's religion (something very very personal that quite literally promises hell and eternal damnation if you don't abide by it's instruction) dictates to them you need to behave/do a certain thing, that that should be respected, as best as possible.
...However...
The burka/hijab etc is NOT religious doctrine, it is a cultural affectation, adopted by some, not all Muslims. It is no more 'necessary' than a Baseball cap for an American, or a beret and stripey shirt if you're French, or a crucifix round the neck if you're Christian. But people (and they may be Islamics, or white british lefty middle-class do-gooders thinking they're speaking for Muslims everywhere) are muddling the two, and using it to gain ground for their agenda.