Strict Hijab Laws Can Create Conflict in Society: Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that enforcing the country’s strict mandatory hijab law could deepen divisions in society. In an interview with local media on Saturday, August 30, he expressed concern that the law may provoke unrest that would be difficult to control.

"I understood that implementing this law could spread a kind of conflict in society that I would not be able to manage," Pezeshkian said. "We should not do anything that could push the country toward national division. I personally believe in the hijab—my family members all wear the chador—but that doesn’t mean someone who doesn’t is a bad person."

Mandatory hijab laws were introduced in Iran in 1983 following the Islamic Revolution. Violations of the law can result in fines, arrest, or other legal consequences. In addition to public warnings, the law also permits detentions.

Following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022—allegedly after being detained by morality police over improper hijab—nationwide protests erupted. In response, Iranian lawmakers pushed to make hijab regulations even stricter. Although the bill was passed in parliament in 2023, it has yet to be officially enforced.