good grief, obviously the office of the Pope changed over the years as the vatican evolved...the first Pope, Peter, was an original apostle and obviously was not adorned in any sort of a uniform. As the office progressed over the centuries, it was probably necessary to remove the toga and replace it with a more visible sign of authority over a huge group of Christians.
Are you saying the vestments and symbols of office aren’t very important? Would there be any problem if a group of Christians decided to forego the vestments?
No that is not what is being said. As Catholics, we believe in the ministerial priesthood. As such it is necessary to identify the priesthood from the laity particularly in liturgical matters. Of course, if one doesn't believe in the ministerial priesthood or the liturgy then naturally they don't have a vestment problem but develop issues with those who do. Conflating their understanding of necessity and importance with what is proper.
If protestants would embrace 1 Timothy 4:4 and cease their iconoclastic ways they might eventually understand.
And lest their be any confusion a priest may conduct the duties of his office, if necessary, even when he's not in vestments. The Eucharist is still confected, confessions can be heard and absolution given etc.