Honestly, can you read at all.
Firstly, this is not an issue while out in public, it is only at protest areas where.... 'there is clear intent to intimidate or evade police identification.'
Secondly, it is about face coverings, not only a balaclava.
Rest assured, Paddy and Seamus are free to walk down the street in a balaclava, but not allowed to wear their favorite burqa at protest sites if there is clear intent to intimidate or evade police identification.