When you consider both candidates, you aren't a part of the socially discriminatory process concern that I have.  When companies make it a blanket policy not to interview people without degrees, particularly in a young field like cybersecurity, I have grave concerns. 

I do not believe formal education was a benefit or even an option in our field until maybe 5 years ago.  I am overly sensitive to discriminatory practices, particularly in a country where equality of opportunity is not a guarantee.  I apologize for the change of tone.

Companies that require a degree or experience are doing it just right.  Ones that assign arbitrary value for education to experience conversions or overemphasize education over experience are still a concern.  Companies that value all qualities of a candidate, via a post-interview evaluation, are doing exactly what they should do.

As a young industry, we should attempt to forgo the mistakes of the past and not use socially discriminatory hiring methodologies and evaluate on the value of candidates as many of you said that you do.

No need to defend the 'discriminatory' practice, if you don't participate in it.  If you are already doing the right thing, you aren't part of the problem, but thank you for trying to be a part of the solution.