I have always considered proper dress to be a sign of respect which I very much appreciate. The marvellous whiskers are a matter of personal taste which I receive as absolutely none of my business and doesn't bother me at all. In the church, we welcome everyone regardless of dress, so long as it isn't sexually provocative (bikinis for example) In the school it was more political, but regardless, ties were not de rigeur in either setting for staff or anyone.

Having blathered on about all that, Obviously, I no longer wear a tie. (See my profile if that's confusing.)