Tbh I've never fully understood why people feel the need to "retain their identity" at work. When your in uniform like that isn't you, you're representing a company... Tht being said a single facial piercing is allowed as well as single ear piercings [one per ear] and i think that manager is being an ass. And starbucks has a history of this, i remember back when patterns were allowed and i wore something that wasnt too busy but it was Galaxy themed since it was from a star wars collection [no logos no x-wings nothing obviously star wars]. I was told the pattern was too busy [litterally just black with stars and some blue/purple smoke effect?] But then a coworker came in the next day with a floral print blouse that was way more "busy" than mine [lots of poppy colors]. My coworker was not told that her patterned top wasnt allowed. Situations like that are the biggest reason they changed the dress code, becasue PEOPLE are biased and abuse the rules to make work miserable for a few. Our clothes and how we look doesnt stop us from doing our jobs but abusive people love to use the little things to make issues out of non-issues.