Chess and a Dress Code

Chess organizers have every right, even a responsibility to establish a dress code. This goes without saying. It is not the Nudist World Cup of Chess after all. We see people expounding "they have no right, can't tell me what to wear". That it is"disgraceful and wrong" for the organizers to request Kovalyov to change out of his shorts before starting play.
Yes. The previous day the arbiter responsible for his board allowed him to play. A head organizer today said this was an incorrect decision and the person responsible to arbitrate his board will be dealt with.
Kovalyov shows up again in shorts today. Don't let anyone try and tell us he was not aware he was breaking the rules, not aware of the dress code, that he is somehow a victim being "singled out".
Reports say he was then forfeited. This is incorrect. He was invited to play but needed to go back to his room and change. It was Kovalyov's premeditated decision at that point to check out of the Hotel (according to a report) and not return to the playing hall. In effect, forfeiting himself.
We'll see if he has a change of heart tomorrow. But this all seemed he intentionally created a situation, had made his built in "excuse" to leave the tournament.

@mdinnerspace

I think he has already booked his flight home; I doubt we will see an actual game 2. :(

Any similarities to the Woman's event wear a hijab was required attire? That sure caused an uproar.
Any difference between being told what must be worn as to what can't be worn?

@mdinnerspace

That is an interesting question. Consider my real life example of encountering "holes" in dress code rules...

I worked for a company some years back and the dress code for men was dress slacks and collared shirt (business casual). One day I asked the CEO what would happen if I came into work wearing hot pink colored dress slacks. He said "You would be asked to change to a more appropriate color, because the pink slacks would cause a distraction and upset the equilibrium of the office"

I'm curious about that. Carlsen came with shorts, would he do the same?

I would not have allowed Zurab to control the situation. Would have shown some cooperation by example: " I have worn these shorts for 2 days and do not have slacks in my room. The round is about to start. Allow me to play and I will purchase the proper attire this evening. Tell you what, my size is 34, maybe the hotel can locate slacks for me. I'll be more than happy to change when they arrive."
Instead he started in with questioning authority, never a good thing. "What is wrong with my shorts?" Next "a mistake in the colors was made at the table. I should have White". (Having spent the previous night and morning preparing for his opponent as White). Having to play Black I'm sure did not sit well.

So simple to request a second opinion from a higher authority, exhibit an adult attitude and not that of a rebellious youth. Instead Kosalyov's response was to up and quit and later make accusations of racism. He has a lot of growing up to do.

Some are going to shout that I support the treatment he received because I suggest he had betters ways to respond. Nothing is further from the truth. Zurab should be banned from being an arbiter/organizer or member of any FIDE committee. His actions demand to be sanctioned. My point is simple. If Kosalyov had serious intentions of playing chess, he would not have quit over Zurab's ethnic slur. You are only "mistreated" if you allow it to happen in your mind. It's water off my back. When I know I'm in the right I do my best to find a way to achieve a desirable result.

#6 Imo it's understandable that he questions the decision when he had been using the same pair of shorts in previous rounds and the world cups before. Imo the arbiter should have handled it much better. He should be the one to present these options not the player who is already under a lot of stress.

The arbiters were negligent in not confronting Kosalyov the 1st day. They have made all the typical excuses. Kosalyov could have used this to his benifit, exhibited cooperation and I'm sure he would have been allowed to play the game in his shorts with a stipulation of slacks for the next round.
From the 1st arbiter who originally confronted Kosalyov, he did present options and asked for cooperation. Unfortunately, Kosalyov compounded the issue.

Take One:
Aronian today in jeans and a t-shirt.
His "appearance" is acceptable by everyone. Neat and orderly , well groomed.
Take Two:
Kosalyov in shorts (madras, not bermudas), socks falling down about the ankles, a raggedy t-shirt half tucked in with some logo, an over sized mismatched hoodie. Doesn't take a brain surgeon.

According to the printed rules about the dress code, his shorts were long enough to be considered appropriate attire. This should make any further argument about his clothing moot. (Unless there was an announcement which rescinded the written rules.)

The statement about him looking like a "Gipsy" must be taken into context. If it was a racial slur, then it was inappropriate and the organizer should be punished. However, if it was just a general reference, then this was also hyped up to make headlines.
Either way, there is a hint of harassment by the organization, and this should be eliminated from the sport.