Of course there are no absolutes, but first impressions are hard to get over. My favorite was a guy who interviewed for a programming spot. He actually came in for the interview with a rod thru his tongue. I couldn't understand a word the idiot was trying to say. I just cut it short and sent him on his way, I don't have the time to waste.
Yes, first impressions can be hard to get over, but I say, "get over it". I worked in a legal firm years ago and there was an opening for the front desk receptionist. The final two candidates for this position were women. One was a very pretty gal, one was overweight and quite homely. They hired the "pretty gal". Oh sure, she looked "presentable", but the other gal had far more credentials and intelligence than this "pretty gal" could muster in a lifetime.
I understand someone, such as yourself, who did not hire someone because they were not able to perform their job ("couldn't understand a word...", but that's not what many folks on threads such as this one are saying.