Hear, hear Alceste. I too am dismayed that people across this country are joining a witch hunt without ever bothering to hear from the women who are wearing niqabs. Personally, I find such clothing offensive, but it's not for me to tell them to dress otherwise. 
As an atheist, I'm also offended by Jehovah Witness who to come up to my door and proselytize but I would never encourage my government to ban them.