I live in a religious region and am afraid of telling anyone that I am an atheist

When I was a kid I used to openly tell people my opinion on religion. They always told me I would change it when I grew up. When I turned 16, I lied to my family and told them I had started to believe in god.

I started hiding that I am an atheist. Because, I don't want to face criticism and rejection towards me. Moreover, I have heard about arrest of three people in my country because of their atheism. It's pretty controversial that at the same time I want to have secular friends and girlfriend. When people around me start critisising science and evolution in particular, I shut my mouth.

Do you feel the same as me, and if you were in a similar situation, what would you do?