Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei demanded a crackdown on women who do not comply with the country’s mandatory hijab rules, alleging that “social abnormalities” and “nudity” in Iranian streets had become a source of distress for “religious people” and “patriotic citizens,” according to Iranian media reports on Monday.
While calling for authorities to respond more forcefully to violations of the Islamic Republic’s strict modesty standards, he reportedly told the prosecutor-general the measures should aim to “protect people’s rights” and “fight manifestations of corruption.”
Ejei stressed that the implementation of stricter measures should avoid any action contrary to Islamic law.
“What is necessary is to put an end to this situation of abnormality and nudity, but with prudence and judgment,” he said.
The judiciary chief also said that the president and parliament support the approach and that authorities should not be deterred by “uproar and commotion.”
Demands a week after fourth anniversary of Mahsa Amini
Ejei’s demand came less than two weeks after the fourth anniversary of the killing of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini. Amini was killed by security forces after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, according to a UN fact-finding mission.
Her death sparked the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in 2022, which were violently suppressed by Iranian security forces. The UN mission later documented 551 deaths, including those of 49 women and 68 children.
Ejei’s reference to “patriotic citizens” being affected by women’s uncovered hair comes amid growing concern among Iranian officials and clerics that the country’s increasingly secular social movement could provide a base of support for the United States and Israel. According to the Associated Press, Iranian cleric Ahmad Alamolhoda has urged authorities to devote resources to curbing that risk.
Regime aims to connect hijab compliance with Iran's security
Security expert Roger Macmillan told The Jerusalem Post that it was unsurprising that the regime was seeking to connect its security with hijab compliance at a time when the Iranian people are already struggling with the consequences of war, sanctions and the blockade of Hormuz.
“This is typical of the state. When they start to be pushed back into a corner politically, militarily and now economically, you are seeing how the state will start to push back and crack down on internal repression. So this is an example of internal repression,” he said.
“It’s to change the narrative, to show that they are still in control. Repression is what these people do so well, and it is done solely to threaten and coerce people back into submission. These people have no shame. They will do anything to their people to ensure that they maintain total control,” he added.
Ejei’s demand also followed insistence by Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, an Iranian politician and relative of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, that the Islamic Republic was unable to focus on policing women’s clothing because of “wartime conditions.”
In recent months, prosecutors and law enforcement authorities have increasingly targeted businesses over alleged violations of the mandatory hijab rules. Cafes, restaurants and other commercial establishments have been shut down or threatened with legal action over women appearing without headscarves on their premises or for allowing other behaviors viewed as un-Islamic.
Last Sunday, authorities announced an investigation into a music event and incidents involving women without headscarves at a hotel in Nowshahr, according to Iran International. In May, authorities sealed the historic Ameri House Hotel in Kashan over alleged hijab violations. In July, the public prosecutor of Kohgiluyeh County announced the closure of 10 cafes and teahouses in Dehdasht for allegedly failing to observe religious standards.
The pressure on businesses comes as many companies and individuals already struggle to survive Iran's high inflation, a weakening currency, and broader economic pressures. The renewed enforcement of hijab rules therefore extends the impact of the Islamic Republic’s morality policies beyond individual women, with businesses also facing closures and legal action if they themselves do not police the behavior and clothing of their customers.