I agree absolutely-if the public sector wants to let chaos rule, that is their problem-and as long as taxpayers keep funding them, they will keep doing whatever insane thing they want, but private employers are another matter-they are not taxpayer funded.
I worked in the public sector for 7 years, and it was strict to the point of being oppressive. I was amazed at the lack of hard rules when I went to work for a private employer for the first time-but there was still a dress code, a client confidentiality agreement to sign, penalties for offending a client or company rep, misuse of on-the-clock-time, etc.
My compadre and I ask for guys to dress in clean, decent cutoffs/jeans and T-shirts for work. Some customers are freaky about tattoos, but we can’t really ask subs to cover them up-they are independent contractors. People live and work out here to get away from rules, there are rednecks, bikers and hippies out here-all are conservatives, and most have several visible tats...
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the wedding this past weekend, that there were no visible tats on any of the 5 bridesmaids or the bride. The dresses were all either strapless or spaghetti strap or one shoulder. On contractors, I could care less about tats.