As for the first part of your question, I have to say: Yes, it does, Hijab plays a very important role in Islam since, if observed properly and modestly, it protects Muslim women from lustful and disrespectful stares of the opposite gender. Some people think Hijab is fully observed when they wear only a headscarf, but Hijab actually constitutes covering oneself with loose-fitting, not see-through clothing so that only the hands and face is visible. More importantly, it also consists of the inner-self modesty of a Muslim woman.

and for the second part of you question, about Hijab drawing more attention; the holy Quran says: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (33:59)

You have to think what you mean by attention! what kind of attention? the attention drawn to a Muslim woman in Hijab in the west is primarily because she has dressed differently not because she is sexually or physically attractive . There is a difference between attention out of curiosity and attention out of sensuality. When people get used to seeing a woman in Hijab, they are not curious any longer and it draws no more attention.

In short, according to the above-mentioned verse of the Quran, Muslim women have been ordered to observe Hijab to be recognized by qualities like their knowledge, skills, etc. God does not want them to be abused. Hijab actually exhibits a Muslim woman’s decency and other feminine qualities and it brings her about respect and dignity.