By altering their appearances, Muslim women are trying to limit their racial experiences in public spaces. The uncomfortable gaze and the scowling looks create a hostile environment they have to navigate. Ironically, Muslim women feel they lack choice or free will in how they dress not because Muslim men oppress them, but because they are under the watchful eye of their fellow citizens.

XREF: Ties to broader literatures on the surveilling gaze, racialized dress in public space, and how minority groups code-switch appearance for safety.

Saher Selod, Forever Suspect_ Racialized…, loc. 347