Iran's new president promises end to morality police enforcement on women

Iran's newly appointed President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that the morality police will cease enforcing the mandatory hijab dress code on women, following recent UN reports of continued violence against women for dress code violations.

President Pezeshkian's remarks come on the second anniversary of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. Amini’s arrest for allegedly not wearing the hijab correctly sparked widespread protests across the country, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Despite recent warnings from the UN that Iran’s government has intensified efforts to suppress women's rights and stifle activism, Pezeshkian has stated that the morality police will no longer target women in public. Pezeshkian, who assumed the presidency after his predecessor's fatal helicopter crash, is considered a potential reformist.

His comments followed a press conference where a female reporter revealed she had taken detours to avoid police vans while wearing her hijab loosely. Upon confirming that the morality police were still present on the streets, Pezeshkian responded, "The morality police were not supposed to confront [women]. I will ensure they do not bother [them]." His remarks were broadcast live on major state TV channels, including the rolling news network IRINN, and the footage of his interaction with the female journalist quickly went viral online.  

This press conference was Pezeshkian's first since taking office in July, succeeding the ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi. During his campaign, Pezeshkian promised to oppose police enforcement of the mandatory hijab and to relax some of Iran's stringent internet regulations.  

Following the nationwide anti-establishment protests led by women in 2022, Iran intensified its monitoring of social media. At Pezeshkian's press conference, signs of a more relaxed approach to the dress code were evident, with some female journalists wearing loosely draped head coverings—a stark contrast to previous official events where full hijab was required.  

However, the latest UN report indicates that women in Iran continue to face systemic discrimination. The UN's fact-finding mission highlighted an increase in repressive measures and policies, further restricting women's rights. It also reported a rise in surveillance and violence related to hijab compliance, affecting both public and private settings.  

The UN reported that security forces have intensified their use of physical violence against women and girls perceived to be violating mandatory hijab laws, including beatings, kicks, and slaps.   The report also noted an increase in the use of the death penalty against women activists and a rise in executions of individuals who supported the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests.  

Additionally, the UN highlighted that a “Hijab and Chastity” bill is nearing final approval by Iran’s Guardian Council and could be enacted soon. This bill proposes stricter penalties for women who fail to adhere to the hijab mandate, including severe financial fines, extended prison sentences, restrictions on employment and education, and travel bans.