[Sebb767]

For one it's a bit of a cultural standard - like appearing in a suit for the interview; it doesn't show your qualification, but it shows basic etiquette (it's no longer as usual as it used to be and not the best example, but I think it gets the point across). Also, an image helps you form a more personal connection to a person.

But I'm not a recruiter myself, so take that with a grain of salt.

[cortesoft]

I think that ‘personal connection’ is a easy way towards discrimination, just like ‘cultural fit’.

Humans are naturally more inclined to feel a connection to people who are in their same group.

[cjhanks]

Some societies believe it is acceptable to judge people based on their appearance. Arguably, most people do it instinctively. It is just that in America it was deemed illegal. I know there's an epidemic of plastic surgery taking place in some Asian cultures - people getting cosmetic surgery so that they can be employable.

Right or wrong, that is how some societies are functioning.

[Sebb767]

Sure, it is, and that's why you may not require one. But I can see why people would want that, even with no malicious intention, which was your question :)