I said that many still do, not all! It is optional these days, but when I was growing up it wasn't, especially in the very Catholic countries in Europe like Spain and Italy for example.

Actually quite a few older Italians and Greek Orthodox women still DO walk about dressed in black from head to foot (black stockings) and possibly a black headscarf.

Yes I know you are now on about the covering of the face, but just thought I'd mention this.