I think it's not EVERY workplace that has these rules there.
But even so, it's reflective of a very stagnant mindset towards women as contributors to society and not merely decorations, which is deplorable. I hope these women are able to get this mindset to change. My best friend just moved there (she is white, her husband is Japanese, they have a young son). I think this mindset shows up in many subtle ways there.
I mean, it's here (in the states), too! Perhaps in most cases, it's either illegal or at least seen as reprehensible to make rules so explicit like this....but the truth is that almost ALL "dress codes" are aimed largely at women. Men's bodies are considered sovereign/above discussion and ours are considered political/up for discussion. Consider what is "modest". That terms is almost never applied to male dress (and I have CERTAINLY seen "immodest" dress on men, even in my workplace; basketball shorts, flip flops, tank tops, etc.)
