the 70's and is not rooted in anything other than fear of hippies.

They could very easily just say "well groomed beard" and that would be that. A well groomed beard is an easy thing to determine. I hate how BYU (and the church to a point) almost makes ones worthiness based on the amount of facial hair one has. (not officially of course but the impression that it creates amongst the rank and file is if one is clean shaven, one must be worthier than one who choose to have hair on their face)

I think the rule disallowing temple workers to have beards is silly too. And asking priesthood leaders to be clean shaven as well. My bishop growing up had a beard.

But whatever.