When is it time to hang up your freak flag?

It's something I've been struggling with the past couple of weeks.
It's only arose a couple of other times in my life but was quickly dismissed. This time is different.

I am currently 32 years old and this year will be my 33rd.

It all started about a week or so ago when I received the news that I was not being considered for a position that I had been working towards for 2 years.
I was feeling so optimistic when I put in my application and had my first interview.
I know this position like the back of my own hand and have spent the past 2 years preparing myself for it when it became avaliable.
This was my chance.

After only 1 interview in the succession of 3, I was eliminated.
I was heartbroken and confused and could not understand why I was being passed over.

I had attended every workshop, every seminar and conference to make sure that I was on the top of my professional game. I had even reached out for assitance from my peers to make sure that any of my short comings were improving and to keep me on my toes.

When the conversation took place last Tuesday to discuss why I was not chosen, I was left confused and questioning my entire life.
It was communicated to me that I had everything in place to be the best candidate.
The amount of things that were listed as things I am very strong in was long and I felt proud.

When I inquired about why I was still not even chosen for a second interview, I was told that it was predominately due to my "visual lack of approachability". In non-HR terms - " You're a freak and you don't fit the image we want"

It hurt.
I mean it stung really deep.
And it was something I had put in the back of my mind. It was something I felt growing the past while.

I love.
No, I fucking adore my job.
Every second of it, every opportunity, even the downsides are things that I take as challenges.
I want to see myself there celebrating my 10 year someday.

So, I reached out to someone who is currently doing the job I aspire to and is amazing at it.
She's been with the company for 8 years and I know that she's a good person to ask for a no BS response to my concerns.
She mostly let me talk and come to my own conclusion, but it was nice to have a confidential ear to share my ideas of what my short comings might be.

On the plane ride home from a session my thoughts were cemented and I knew what I had to do.

There was a woman in the terminal who was boarding the same flight so we struck up conversation [I'll talk to anyone]. She asked what I did and I told her.
Her response was one of disgust and disapproval. She could not believe that a reputable company in the beauty industry would hire someone looking like me [with coloured hair, piercings and tattoos] to represent them. She flat out felt it was inappropriate.

It didn't hurt this time.

It made me think deep and hard about myself.

I've always been the wierd girl. I have been since I was 13 yrs old.
In the past 20 years I've been lucky to have amazing experiences in various careers and appreciate every moment of them.
I have been single for the majority of my adult life =and even during my teen years.
Men in their 30s-40's arent' looking to settle down and create a family with someone who bares my appearance. And I want that.
I want a home and a solid relationship.

Is it possible that my freak flag needs to be folded and put away?

Maybe I need to give this a try.
Maybe I am getting too old for piercings, and fun hair. Maybe it's time.

But why am I so scared?
Metal shoved through parts of me doesnt' dictate WHO I am. It doesnt' change me.
So, why is the idea of removing them permanently seem like such a big step?
[Also septum rings are cool again. 2 girls at my work just got them done. Ug. ]

Is it fair to loose part of yourself to further your career and your dreams?

Has anyone else faced this dilemma?