Iran’s National Security Council has halted the implementation of the highly disputed “hijab and chastity law,” which was set to take effect on Friday. President Massoud Pezeshkian described the legislation as “ambiguous and in need of reform,” indicating a desire to reevaluate its provisions.
The proposed law aimed to impose harsher penalties on women and girls for showing their hair, forearms, or lower legs, and had faced significant backlash from human rights advocates. For decades, strict dress codes for women and girls have been enforced as a national security matter, leading to widespread protests.
Under the proposed law, repeat offenders and those mocking the regulations would face increased fines and prison sentences of up to 15 years, while businesses would be required to report any violations. Human rights organizations expressed deep concern, with one stating that the authorities were intensifying an already oppressive system of control.
During his presidential campaign in July, Pezeshkian openly criticized the treatment of women regarding the hijab, promising to respect their personal autonomy—a sentiment that resonated with many, particularly among the younger population.
Criticism of the law also came from Masoumeh Ebtekar, a former vice-president for women and family affairs, who asserted that the legislation unfairly targets half of the Iranian population.
The hijab debate escalated recently following the arrest of Parastoo Ahmadi, a popular singer, after she streamed a concert without her hijab. The incident sparked significant public outrage, leading to her and her bandmates being released the next day.
Tensions around the hijab are heightened following the protests that erupted in 2022 after the tragic death of Mahsa “Zhina” Amini, who died in police custody over alleged dress code violations. In response, many Iranians, particularly younger women, have begun publicly removing their hijabs, challenging the government’s authority.
Last week, over 300 activists, writers, and journalists condemned the new hijab law, labeling it “illegitimate and unenforceable,” while urging Pezeshkian to uphold his campaign commitments. Despite pressure from hardline factions close to the Supreme Leader, a growing number of young people in Iran are increasingly willing to confront imposed restrictions.
Pezeshkian’s supporters are skeptical that the new law will deter defiance among young women and warn it could exacerbate tensions. Meanwhile, proponents of the legislation are pressuring him to proceed with its enforcement, criticizing the National Security Council’s delay. The pause in implementation indicates the government’s apprehension about the potential for renewed mass protests reminiscent of those seen two years prior.
