Indeed. It is not quite the same situation, but I experienced differences when I transitioned from slovenly geek to well dressed consultant. Cut my long hair, lost some weight and started dressing much nicer. People treated me with more respect, taking me more seriously. More random people wanted to talk to me, and not just flirty people. People were more curious about me as a person.

Biases exist. You see it when your personality stays the same but visible aspects of you change.