IranWire

A new wave of criticism has surfaced in Iran over the government’s approach to hijab enforcement, with questions raised about who should take responsibility for regulating public dress.

Ali Motahari, a former member of the Iranian parliament, criticized the government’s handling of cultural issues and hijab, saying, “In cinema and streaming platforms, permissiveness has increased.

"When social abnormalities appear, should mosques be the ones to stop them? If someone exposes their navel, who is supposed to intervene? The government and the Ministry of Interior must provide a solution. The police have this duty.”

The controversy was triggered by President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent remark that “enforcing hijab is the responsibility of mosques.”

He admitted that the Law on Chastity and Hijab was flawed, but warned that it did not give officials, especially the president, license to speak in ways that encourage unveiling.

“What does it mean that this is the job of mosques? An Islamic government, in addition to providing for people’s livelihoods, is also responsible for their morals, behavior, and beliefs,” Motihari said.

“We cannot say this issue is none of our business,” he added.

He said that his position was not about arresting every woman without a headscarf.

“But when there are blatant violations - for example, someone walking out in just a tank top or with their stomach exposed - there must be action. The overwhelming majority of people support such responses.”

He added, “On the street, minor headscarf issues can be tolerated, but in universities and government offices, rules must be strictly enforced. The government should not say this is the job of mosques, because that statement is simply wrong.”