that's one of the great thing about Masonry: it being a reflection of the society it's in. I'm reminded of a lodge in the Atlanta (Georgia, not Texas) area called "the Telephone lodge" (I cannot recall the actual name & number) because during the 1960's literally three out every four members worked for Bell South. And yes even in 2008 there are brothers walking right off the ranch into lodge. I'm sure they're wearing dusty boots, jeans, and a work shirt (hopefully one with a collar)
I serve as Secretary of a "black tie" or "traditional observance" lodge in Austin, Robert Burns # 127 where just as in New England, and I believe western Europe as well, dark suit is appropriate for visitors, members are in formal wear, and officers wear wear white gloves as well. If putting on a Tux is not your cup of tea, you might not feel comfortable and would wish to attend a different lodge.
I also serve as Secretary of Parsons # 222 in Austin. Officers usually in a suit, but jeans and a polo is fine, at a minimum. I've had to tell a Brother he was dressed in appropriately: flip flops, shorts, and a t-shirt. I pulled him aside after the meeting a gently and respectfully thanked him for being an active member of the lodge and let him know that if it came down to a single incident of "ran out of time" couldn't make it home to change et cetera, that we'd rather have him here in shorts than not at all. "However, out of respect for where you are you really ought to wear what you'd wear to church or perhaps a job interview."
That seemed to work and did not hurt any feelings. I tend to think had he responded with an "internal not the external" type of comment I would have responded with an equal and matching level of sarcasm if any with something to the effect that "it is then your internal that is demonstrating you have little respect for where you are."
Come on, Brothers! "internal not the external" to justify wearing flip flops, shorts, and a t-shirt to lodge?! That is an absolute glittering jewel of a cop out if I've ever heard one.