Wearing perfume at work

[Pilchard]

My OH has been working as a receptionist at a hospital for the past year. Yesterday her immediate manager asked if she could reduce the amount of perfume she uses; she doesn't overdo it but does use it so it can be smelt (isn't that the idea?). She has never had any other staff member or patient complain about the amount of perfume she uses; in fact, some have even asked what she uses.

Her manager didn't tell her the reason behind her request so I have asked my OH to ask for clarification i.e. is it hospital policy, has someone complained, etc.

Has anyone else encountered anything like this before and what was the outcome?

[Pilchard]

If there was a reason (medical, terms and conditions, complaint, etc) then my OH would have no problem not wearing it. But I think her manager should at least explain the reasoning.

MitchT said:

Alternately, is the manager older and less attractive? If so, prepare for a long and protracted attempt to gradually erode your OH's confidence by picking her apart piece by piece, starting with her perfume.

I fear this could be part of the problem, maybe a large part. My OH is very particular in ensuring her hair and makeup are right, with perfume being part of that. Her manager, however, is not like that...