To some, a Muslim head scarf represents patriarchal oppression in a backward society. To others, it symbolizes modesty, identity and respect for a higher being.

After Suzanne Daley and Alissa J. Rubin reported on the struggles women in France face as a result of prejudices and laws there restricting the wearing of veils, more than 1,000 New York Times readers shared their opinions on this particularly sensitive and divisive subject in the comments of the article and on Twitter and Facebook.

Among those voices were about two dozen Muslim women for whom this subject is deeply personal. These women explained why they have chosen to veil or not. They talked about how they were influenced by where they grew up, and how the decision has affected their education, careers and interactions with others.

For almost all of these women, it was a matter of personal choice.

Here is a selection of their responses. They have been edited and condensed for clarity.