There's no "objective truth" about dress, and the only science involved is that of insulation, protection from (solar) radiation and weather, and sexual selection. As for "a barrier between women and the wider world", why shouldn't women (or anyone else) set up such a barrier if they want to?

If you force a woman to wear a burka when she doesn't want to, you are violating her autonomy.

If you force a woman NOT to wear a burka when she DOESt want to, you are violating her autonomy.

I'm against violating people's autonomy as far as possible.