We heard this expression from the American election last year and it was recalled when we heard about the parliamentary committee report on dress codes in the work place.  A female member of staff was mistreated by her employer, when she refused to wear the high heels insisted upon by her employer.  The government’s response to the parliamentary report was that dress codes must be reasonable and apply to all.  The argument arising from this is: are high heels reasonable?

Probably a subjective issue, especially when appearance to customers is important.  From some employer’s point of view, high heels are more attractive; from the employees point of view she wanted comfortable feet. So when they went high, she wanted to go low.  You decide.  The report is here