ABC:

Independent senator Fatima Payman says controversial comments she made at an Iranian women's event over the weekend do not represent her own views, adding that she was not aware that the media outlet interviewing her was affiliated with the Iranian regime.

In an interview published by Iranian state-owned broadcaster Press TV earlier this week, the former Labor backbencher appeared to say that Iran was an "incredible place" for women, where "their voices are heard".

"The incredible place that Iran is, allowing for women to participate in the workforce, to ensure that they have a voice and their voices are heard. They're involved in the democratic process," Senator Payman said in the clip shared by the broadcaster.

The comments were condemned by the Australian United Solidarity for Iran, which advocates for the freedom of Iranian women, who described them as a "betrayal", as well as Australian Iranian Community president Siamak Gharheman, who said they were "insulting to Iranian women".

But in a statement released on Thursday, the West Australian senator apologised and explained that they did not reflect her own views, but those of women who had shared their personal experiences at the event.

"At the event, I listened to Australian-Iranian women share their personal experiences, describing life in positive terms. When a journalist from Press TV later asked about the conversations I had at the event, I made comments that reflected what women had shared with me," she said.

"I acknowledge that the Iranian community is not homogenous and individuals have different lived experiences.

"However, I recognise that my comments did not reflect the realities of women who have suffered violence, brutality, and severe human rights violations."

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