I would suggest he author take a look in the mirror and tell me what she sees.

A woman free to show her hair and body without, as in many Muslim countries, being subject to stoning and rape.

Or a women buried in the past who still thinks she must hide her hair and body as to not to unfairly tempt men?

I see her dress as a reflection of how she sees herself in the world, certainly not as a progressive and confident women.