Hijab or not hijab?

This is the first time I write to this list.  I am a convert, 36 years old,
working as a nurse within psychiatry. I mebraced Islam in 1988 and my
husband in 1990.

I used to wear hijab for 12 years, but took it off 4 years ago.  I was worn
out of always being the one to represent islam and the one that had to
defend it.  i was tired of being the different one.  Especially since i was
working full time.

From time to time other Muslims try to remind me of my duty of wearing
hijab.  Especially men.

Well....  I wish i was strong enough to met the hatred of non-muslims.

But there is another thing....  I am not sure whether it is an obligatory
part of islam or not.  The traditional scholars say so, while different
orientalits claim that it is not a part of early Islams history.  Check for
example http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/essay-01.html

I would like to see proof from the sunnah of the Prophet.  For example, one
of the most famous hadiths is about Asma, coming to the Prophet (saaw) in
transparent clothes. The Prophet turns away and says:  "Asma, when a woman
start to menstruate, nothing should be seen of her excepot this and this"
(pointing to his face and hands).  This hadith is not sahih, yet agreed to
be one of the most uysed proofs for describing the womans dress as
somethning that covers everything except face and hand.

How can one be sure that  the Prophet was pointing to the face and not the
head?

There are other hadiths, but i will not comment it now.

I am sure you have had your discussions about the topic, and I would like to
know your results.

Wa alaikum salaam
Chahida