They are not arm bands they are wrist bands.
Some form of ID is needed to access entitlements.
Wristbands are how it is done in most other circumstances.
They are hidden by sleeves and without sleeves a bracelet, watch or charity band would conceal them.
They can not be lost or stolen, unlike cards which might take days to get replaced.

If people really object, then let them have something different but do not use it as evidence of persecution.
It is not.