Iran’s new president has announced that the regime’s morality police will cease to enforce mandatory hijab regulations on women, following a recent UN report highlighting ongoing violence against women for dress code violations.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s declaration coincided with the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in police custody, which ignited widespread protests and calls for women’s rights. The UN has reported a noticeable surge in efforts by the Iranian government to suppress women’s rights and arrest activists since the protests.
During a press conference, Pezeshkian responded to a female journalist who expressed concerns about encountering police while traveling. He reassured that the morality police should not confront women, promising to ensure that they are no longer a nuisance.
Pezeshkian, who ascended to the presidency following the death of his predecessor, is viewed as a potential reformer. His first press conference since taking office in July was marked by a more relaxed atmosphere regarding women’s dress, with some female journalists opting for looser head coverings—a significant change from previous events demanding full hijab compliance.
While the president’s remarks have sparked hope for more lenient regulations, the UN’s latest findings highlight that women in Iran continue to face systemic repression. The UN’s report details increased surveillance and harsh punishments for dress code violations, including physical violence and the threat of severe penalties such as the death sentence for activists involved in the 2022 protests advocating for women’s rights.
The report also warns of a forthcoming “Hijab and Chastity” bill, which, if approved, could impose stricter penalties for non-compliance with hijab laws, including hefty fines, longer jail sentences, and restrictions on women’s rights to work and education.
