Do cultural customs change while the Word of God stays the same?
Cultural customs do change across time and environment, but the Word of God does not change. Scripture remains God's Word even when practices tied to custom, such as women's coverings, are far removed from modern settings. The text says God mandated some things for Israel because of national customs and how He taught them.
Les explains that the coming verses about women in the Church and their covering or not being covered are as far removed from present-day America as the earlier subject of meat offered to idols. He says this area has changed by virtue of customs and environment, not because the Word of God changes. He notes that God mandated many things for Israel because of their national customs and the way God had taught them. So he approaches these verses with a grain of salt, not treating them as no longer the Word of God, but recognizing a tremendous change in the position and attitude of men toward women in Christianity. He also notes that Paul himself was not anti-woman.