I wear the hijab. I've worn it since I was 10 and I was never forced into it. My mum brought a cute hijab and said that I could dress up and play with it but then I liked it and ever since I've been wearing it (I'm 15).
I do feel other people judge us. They obviously feel that these people are less aproachable, however anything new or strange to you makes you feel uncomfortable around it. I tend to start conversations with people and they always ask politely why I wear the hijab or how I feel about it. I explain that I chose to wear it and that it's for modesty. But if I'm not bothered I will just say it's cosy.
I feel like the youger generation is more friendly about it and I have seen many classmates who are not muslim get defensive towards people who are rasist and discriminate towards hijabis. I tend to have people telling me "you have hair sticking out" even if we don't normally talk.
I personally don't like the niqab and neither does my family (thats probably why I originally didn't like it). It doesn't say in the Quran to wear niqab so why should I? It makes you less approachable and makes you look less friendly. You're hiding away what god gave you to show. Your face is what people first judge you on.
Also, we have freedom to wear what we want and dress how we like. I've noticed it's more acceptable for people to go out in bikinis than for people to fully dress up. If nuns can wear what they wear why can't muslim women?
Sorry for the long post. I feel strongly about this. Btw i was born in england so i've spent my whole life in a non-muslim country