As salaamu 'alaikym.
Spreading rumors and outright lies, even when one does the same about a commercial product, is considered back biting, lying and rumor mongering and is strictly forbidden in Islam. Alhumdulillah!
Insha'Allah, it is never compulsory for a Muslimah to wear the niqaab and even the hijab is not compulsory as there can be no compulsion in religion.
Sadly, many decide to follow the teachings of various sects of Islam that try to make the natural religion of man a burden that no one bear.
ma'a salaam