I think that the discussion of the dress code has gotten a little off
track from the original message posted.  Remember, the writer was in a
clinical lab, not a research facility.  By the very nature of hospital
work we have to be conscious of the people we serve and help.  In a
research setting I would think you would only have to conform to the
"culture" in which you work.  And under those conditions a more casual
approach to attire is certainly warranted.  I hope this helps to mollify
some of the people who were offended by those of us who thought jeans
and such did not belong in a hospital setting.