Folks--especially those who see this as merely a small concession to off-set her right-wing opponents--this is much, much more than simply a ban on wearing apparel.  The real message is what the German leader said in her speech:

“We do not want any parallel societies, and where they exist we have to tackle them ..."  She specifically named sharia, an Islamic legal code based on a strict interpretation of the Koran. “Our laws have priority over honour codes, tribal and family rules, and over sharia. That has to be expressed very clearly.”

And she did express it clearly.  Make no mistake: she wasn't directing her speech to party faithful.  She was talking directly to every Muslim in the country.  This lady means business (for whatever reason) and this is just the beginning of what could be the greatest flip-flop in modern European politics.