You are missing the point on a colossal scale:
Since when does "freedom" mean you can defy the attire and presentation standards of the company you work for? Let us remember: if you're an employee, your ass is at least partially owned.
Since when does "no law in existence" not give the employer the right to decide if an employee is representing his company to the public properly? No law in the USA or Canada would
ever exist to prevent the owner of the business from doing exactly what he did. He is entitled to do so.
And just because there is "no law in existence" that states you have to wear a certain attire, that doesn't mean there isn't also "no law in existence" that denies an employer the right to determine who is fit to represent--and work for--the company, provided no discrimination is involved.
Sorry, but his employer has a whole shit ton of legs to stand on. You might be outraged at this treatment, but to invoke laws shows you haven't a clue. However, I agree that his clothing wasn't professional.
Martin Savage's CNN article on Mitchell made me like and respect the guy more (
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/31/wo...asado-profile/ ) . . . but ultimately, his casual style was so jarring to see at the controls of a 777 that for me, it actually diverted my attention from the video broadcasts of him and Martin that I saw. He was going on worldwide television. He should have dressed more professionally.
I hope he gets a better job now though. Based on Martin's story, it seems like he always dreamed of being a pilot, worked his ass off to get there, and is very good at what he does. Let this be a "teachable moment" for him as he moves on to bigger and better things.