Interviews and Ontology

Okay, so some of you know that I've been searching for a job, and for those of you who know me, or have met me. I've had facial hair since I was about sixteen years old, and long hair since I was 18. I'm 24 now, so you can do the math. Normally I try to search for jobs that fit my personality, jobs that fit my personality and understand that how I look is a part of that. But when one really needs a job, what can you do? Beggars can't be choosers, and although most employers of my generation have come to the understanding that how we present ourselves to the world is a reflection of who we are on the inside. There is a value to how we look that goes much deeper than your normal first impression value. It's a reflection of our ontology (a reflection of who we are). Some people my age take it too far with surgical implants, full body tattoos, and piercings, but they are still representing their value system. Reflecting their uniqueness in all of creation. For instance, I have two tattoos that nobody else will ever have they reflect who I am in Christ, and my membership of the universal church. They could be copied later on....but it's not very likely.
Yesterday, I was panic stricken while trying to find employment. I had applied for over 10 places of business and not one of them called me back. So I went to a grocery store, I've worked in one before, and was over-qualified for the job, but there were two problems. My goatee and ponytail. The manager asked if "I was attached to those", and for a second I didn't know how to answer. The idea that a woman with long hair could work there with impunity while I was forced to change my appearance based upon my gender seemed biased and dishonoring. But even moreso, fifty years ago a man with a beard could probably work anywhere (save for those jobs where facial hair is a hazard. Like fire-fighting or something), but this job wasn't hazardous at all. Look at the picture above...that man's appearance wont ever stand out in a crowd (I don't know him by the way), or draw attention to his characteristics. He has a military hair-cut, and a militarily close shave. He fits in to the ideal, and that's great if that's what he going for. But what about the rest of us? Like I said before, I was over-qualified for the job, and I would've "blended in" if I had to...thank God I didn't. But what value was being exerted on me?