In a move to reinforce the country’s strict Islamic dress code, Iranian authorities have launched a new crackdown targeting women who defy the compulsory requirement to wear headscarves in public. Tehran’s police chief, AbbasAli Mohammadian, announced the implementation of measures against violators during a live television broadcast on Saturday.
Dubbed “Noor,” meaning light in Persian, the campaign signifies an intensified effort by local law enforcement to enforce the hijab dress code in the capital city and across provinces. Mohammadian emphasized that individuals previously disregarding police warnings would now face legal repercussions for non-compliance.
The enforcement of the Islamic dress code dates back to shortly after the 1979 Islamic revolution, marking it as a fundamental aspect of Iranian society. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently reiterated the necessity for women to adhere to the dress code, citing it as a pivotal aspect of the nation’s cultural and religious identity.
The renewed crackdown follows a period of relative calm for Iran’s morality police, which had faced scrutiny and protests following the controversial death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini’s demise sparked nationwide demonstrations, prompting authorities to label them as “riots” influenced by foreign interference.
Reports from Iranian media outlets, including Ham Mihan daily, showcase increased patrols by morality police in central Tehran, signaling a concerted effort to enforce compliance. Instances of police seizing vehicles transporting women without veils and punishing their owners have also been reported.
Additionally, authorities have taken action against establishments, closing cafes and restaurants where the hijab dress code was not observed. Despite these measures, instances of women appearing in public without adhering to the dress code have continued to rise in various parts of the country, indicating ongoing societal shifts.
