cultural divide

Tomorrow I've been booked to play for a VVIP and a group of other guys, whose religious beliefs do not afford women the same status as men.

So: they asked me to play, to avoid tainting the air or whatever it is, in a neighbouring room on my own, out of sight, and piped in through a PA system.  At this point I offered to recommend a male harpist;  I'm a believer in respecting others' principles unless one has good reason to do otherwise.  But no - they want a girl.  Behind the wall. 

Is it just me, or is there something distasteful about that?   I preferred my Venetian Orgy, which at least was up-front.