I don't admire what the French are doing at all. This wasn't a place of business or school or shopping mall. It's a public beach for heavens sake. They may think they are 'freeing' these women from their restrictive religious doctrine, but they are being as oppressive as the religion.

All it really comes down to, in the end, is society/government/others telling women how to dress and/or behave.

OMG! Why is it ALWAYS the women who must bear the brunt of oppressive religion, government, and 'codes' of conduct. You want to talk privilege? How about the privilege of religion and governments/societies who think it's OK to force women to whatever doctrine they hold dear. In this country, some (see, I didn't name names) push this constantly with denying women's body autonomy, the most basic right EVERYONE should have.