Is the hijab required for a Muslim woman residing in a non-Islamic country?

The Sheikh of Al-Azhar has not been heard to stipulate residency in Muslim countries for the hijab to be obligatory; rather, he affirms its obligation everywhere. What has been heard from him is his statement that an infidel state has the right to prohibit the hijab, and that it is permissible for a Muslim woman to remove it out of necessity, citing the verse: (فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ) "whoever is compelled." The Sheikh erred in two matters:

1. His affirmation of the right of infidel states to prohibit the hijab. This contradicts Islamic law and the constitution of those states, which guarantees freedom of religion, and considers the prohibition of wearing the hijab a breach of covenant.

2. His statement that it is permissible to remove the hijab out of absolute necessity. This is an error because necessity has limitations and controls. Whoever is able to emigrate is obligated to do so. Whoever is not compelled to remove it for education is not permitted to do so. And whoever is compelled to do so for study, the necessity is to be judged by its extent.