Hi Hamzeh-
I do feel the Quran mandates the hijab, for the reasons listed in my article. Lowering the eyes is a two-way ideal: Believers' should avoid indecency, and indecency should be avoided by the wider society. Please note that the people of Lot were not only destroyed for committing lewd acts, they also committed them loudly and proudly in full view of the public.
Despite this, breaking the dress code, or even going full on nude, would not nearly fit the criteria for 'corruption in the land', but expect heavy fines.
Some places in the West still have laws against public nudity, others do not.
I think it is perfectly fair to apply a basic standard of decency across a community (both believer's and nonbelievers). I do not feel this is an infringement on their rights.
As for the niqab, based on 33:59, I don't believe it is recommended, but it certainly wouldn't be banned either.
Regards
wanderer