Is this really an issue? The applicant seems to be "in violation" of an established, company policy of stating "that hair, facial hair, beards and general groom

Is this really an issue? The applicant seems to be "in violation" of an established, company policy of stating "that hair, facial hair, beards and general grooming must be neat, clean and trimmed". He was obviously not rejected due to his religion, but due to not adhering (or wanting to adhere to) a policy that was in place prior to his application. Note: I have absolutely no objection people having dreads, and would have no trouble with colleagues having it. I merely believe that a company should have a freedom to say "no thanks" to applicants not wanting to fit in the existing rule framework. Also, it ticks me off slightly that he uses religion as a way to gain sympathy for his complaint.