There is the famous argument in the Gemara between Rav and Shmuel. Rav: If talmidei chachamim never carry a gun, this means it's not a garment. Shmuel: But they might have to soon. Then women cannot go in the army. Tosephot say on this that the halacha is that the women must go into the army. Since there is the possibility that at least one hareidi student might end up there, the women must be drafted so the argument can be used by Gafni et al that the hareidi men might come in contact with hareidi women. Here we see true halachic principles being applied to deal with pertinent issues of the day.