Gypsy it is not that religion took its time. It is not about western feminism "changing or saving women from other parts of the world". It is about the simple fact that a cultural practice when clung to is very difficult to uproot. People will cling to any excuse to continue practing a cultural act that they like. That is why this practice as you noted continues until the day. That is not the fault of religion, rather it is the fault of ignorant people using the religion as an excuse to continue a heinous custom.

"I don't think so. Homey don't play dat."
Homey Da Clown