I'm actually in a middle eastern class right now. It was viewed as a religious thing (I'm guessing you're talking about the hijab) because one of Muhammad's (founder of Islam) wife wore one. Later they were used to keep sand from their eyes and harming their bodies, but mostly religiously. It is worn to keep a woman out of view from any man other than Her husband and to keep her dressing modestly. Today, even though some middle eastern places do not make It necessary for women to wear a veil or hijab, many still choose to because they feel safer and like it is part of themselves. However, unfortunately still today there is a lot of violence against women who chose not to "cover themselves"
Bra strap = bra
Bra = underwear
Underwear = not publicly acceptable
The goes for guys who still sag like its 2012