Is it permissible to shave the beard when traveling to foreign countries to avoid anticipated assaults and harassment?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded the growing of the beard in many hadiths, among them the hadith: "Be different from the polytheists; grow your beards and trim your moustaches." This was his practice and the practice of his companions. Therefore, it is impermissible to shave the beard except in cases of dire necessity, based on the Almighty's saying: (But whoever is forced, neither desiring nor transgressing, there is no sin upon him).