Society adapts over time, and things that were not acceptable can become acceptable, but the 'time' bit is the important part.
When I was in my teens and twenties, the only men (and it was only ever men) who had tattoos were current or ex forces members who had them done abroad, usually on a drunken night out. Tattoos were seen as an indication of a trouble, a lot of pubs and clubs would not admit men with visible tattoos.
Now, in 2016, tattoos are far more common, and far more accepted, and there is a general perception that a tattoo is not a marker for violence.
But that does not mean that society will readily accept extreme tattoos just yet.
I am perfectly sure that the gentleman is a wonderful human being, but the issue is that a lot of people with whom he interacts may well see him as odd or peculiar.
That doesn't make this situation right, but it does make it the way things are, and people who choose to adorn themselves to extremes must accept that not everyone will be comfortable with it, or willing to interact in a professional environment.