If the Sikh doctors get an exemption, then the policy is not absolute. Find out how you can qualify for an exemption. If your beard is a minhag not a grooming choice, then perhaps your rav can say that in a letter. I would probably avoid using the word “customary” because it sounds more wishy washy to me than most minhagim actually are. Tradition is probably a better word (imagine if Tevye sang about “Customs! Customs!”) but also be clear that there are different strains within Orthodox Judaism, or otherwise you’ll have to explain why some other orthodox men are clean shaven. I know nothing about why Sikhs don’t shave, but I can’t imagine it’s anything more compelling than a minhag or tradition.
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