Two points:
The hijab is not a veil. Veils cover the face. Since until recently the habits of Roman Catholic women religious (nuns) included a covering much like the hijab, there must be a more appropriate English word than 'veil'.
Along with everything else, the hijab functions as a voluntary self-identification as a Muslim woman, much as the skull-cap (kippe) does for Jewish men.
"...for the sake of clarity let me hone in on El Salvador here."
No, but I'll let you 'home' in on whatever you wish.
Two points:
The hijab is not a veil. Veils cover the face. Since until recently the habits of Roman Catholic women religious (nuns) included a covering much like the hijab, there must be a more appropriate English word than 'veil'.
Along with everything else, the hijab functions as a voluntary self-identification as a Muslim woman, much as the skull-cap (kippe) does for Jewish men.