Morality Police Chief: Hijab Hats Are Not Complete Hijab for Women

The head of the Morality Police of the Law Enforcement Force states that a hat or any covered clothing is not a complete hijab for women, and those who wear short, tight, and patterned coats with images inconsistent with Iranian culture and body-hugging leggings will face action. According to the police news site, Mohammad Masoud Zahedian, the head of the Morality Police, says that individuals he describes as poorly dressed, who do not adhere to public standards of chastity and hijab in society, will be pursued by the Morality Police units. Regarding whether the enforcement and activities of the Morality Patrol will decrease with the approach of winter, he stated that while a garment may be covered, it could still be revealing and target public modesty. According to Mr. Zahedian, the criteria for hijab that comply with religious and customary regulations are clear, and individuals should not violate public modesty with revealing clothing, as they will face legal action. This police official emphasized that a hijab hat is certainly not a complete hijab for women, and if confronted by police patrols, these individuals will be directed to designated locations. Earlier in August, Morteza Mirbagheri, Deputy Minister of Interior for Social Affairs, announced the ministry's proposal to amend the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council's resolution on 'Chastity and Hijab,' stating that the implementation of the 'Chastity and Hijab' plan should be free from security and physical perspectives. According to Resolution 427 of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council and the Public Culture Council, responsibilities have been assigned to several government and state agencies for the 'promotion of hijab.' Previously, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, the Minister of Interior, emphasized cultural approaches to the hijab issue, but some conservative members of parliament and judicial officials insist on police and judicial actions against those they label as 'unveiled.' In recent years, some clerics and officials have expressed dissatisfaction from official platforms such as Friday prayers regarding what they call the prevalence of bad hijab in the Islamic system and have stressed the need to confront what they refer to as bad hijab. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary, mentioned in June that if actions are not taken against those labeled as 'unveiled,' more problems will arise.