There was a young lady speaking after the interview this post refers to who seem to put forward a more balanced view. (Women’s Hour)
She was representing a muslim body(not sure which) and said their study had shown women wear the traditional veils for a variety of reasons: Religious, Conformity and also often family pressure, but that in her opinion the Koran did not obligate women to cover up.
She also suggested this particular young women in court now was an exception and most people would not mind removing a veil and that in fact she was just being stubborn to make a point and doing more harm than good.
Personally I’m with the French on this one.