Yes, intolerant. But also hypocritical (see the Macron's hypocrisy of free speech).
> which puts everyone on an equal footing
It does not. Some religions mandate certain attire. And certain religions / atheism does not. So, it is not fair for a student to be denied practicing his/her religion, if his/her religion mandates the head scarf. While an atheist has no worry, since he/she has not religous command to wear a certain attire.
> Schools are places where you learn, not practice religion
Who is any person or government to dictate this to me? If I want to voluntarily do something peaceful, I should be able to. What's next, "homes are for living, not religion".
Nobody is forcing anyone to attend public school. Send your kids to a private school if you want.
But if you want to benefit from what public schools have to offer, you have to abide by their rules. And one of them is that expression of religion is banned there.
In much the same way that a guest to your house would have to abide by your rules.
Not in the USA. In this country it's constitutionally protected.
The bottom line is that all displays of religion are banned in French schools, which puts everyone on an equal footing. Even religious people should see the value of that, especially if you're part of a minority religion.
Schools are places where you learn, not practice religion. That's what places of worship are for.