Masoud Pezeshkian, has declared that the country’s morality police will cease their practice of confronting women over adherence to the mandatory hijab headscarf. This statement marks a potential shift in the enforcement of Iran’s strict dress code and could signal a new direction for women’s rights in the Islamic Republic. However, this announcement comes against a backdrop of continued concerns from international organizations about the state of women’s freedoms in Iran.

The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Rights in Iran

Iran has long been known for its stringent enforcement of Islamic dress codes, particularly for women. The mandatory hijab, instituted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has been a contentious issue both within the country and internationally. The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022, after her arrest by the morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly, sparked nationwide protests and brought global attention to the issue.

President Pezeshkian’s recent comments came during his first press conference since taking office in July, following the unexpected death of his ultraconservative predecessor in a helicopter crash. Responding to a female journalist who mentioned taking detours to avoid police vans on her way to the event, Pezeshkian stated, “The morality police were not supposed to confront [women]. I will follow up so they don’t bother [them].”

This statement, broadcast live on major state TV networks, has gone viral online and raised hopes for a more relaxed approach to the enforcement of dress codes. Some observers see Pezeshkian as a potentially reformist leader, noting his campaign pledges to oppose police patrols enforcing the mandatory hijab and ease some of the country’s long-standing internet controls.

The Role of Morality Police in Iranian Society

The morality police, officially known as Gasht-e Ershad (Guidance Patrols), have been a controversial presence in Iranian society since their establishment in 2005. Their primary role has been to enforce Islamic dress codes and behavior in public spaces, with a particular focus on women’s attire. The tactics employed by these patrols have often been criticized as heavy-handed and intrusive, leading to frequent confrontations and occasional violence.

President Pezeshkian’s announcement suggesting a change in the morality police’s approach represents a significant departure from previous policies. If implemented, this shift could potentially reduce the daily stress and fear experienced by many Iranian women who have long lived under the threat of sudden confrontation or arrest for perceived violations of dress codes.

However, it remains to be seen how this directive will be implemented on the ground and whether it signifies a broader change in the government’s stance on women’s rights or merely a temporary easing of enforcement.

International Concerns and the UN Report

Despite the promising rhetoric from Iran’s new president, recent findings from the United Nations paint a less optimistic picture of the situation for women in Iran. A UN fact-finding mission released a report just days before Pezeshkian’s announcement, highlighting ongoing and even intensified efforts by the Iranian government to suppress women’s rights and activism.

The UN report noted several alarming trends:

1. Enhanced surveillance of hijab compliance in both public and private settings.
2. Escalation of physical violence against women perceived as non-compliant with dress codes.
3. Increased use of the death penalty against women activists and those who expressed solidarity with the 2022 protests.
4. The imminent approval of a “Hijab and Chastity” bill that could introduce even harsher penalties for non-compliance with dress codes.

These findings stand in stark contrast to the president’s recent statements and raise questions about the depth and sincerity of any proposed reforms. The UN investigators emphasized that women in Iran “still live in a system that relegates them to second-class citizens,” suggesting that fundamental changes to the legal and social structure would be necessary to effect real change.As Iran stands at a potential crossroads, the world watches to see whether President Pezeshkian’s declaration about the morality police marks the beginning of genuine reform or merely a superficial adjustment to appease domestic and international critics. The contrast between his words and the recent UN findings highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of Iran’s approach to women’s rights.

While the president’s statement offers a glimmer of hope, it is clear that substantial challenges remain. The deep-rooted nature of gender-based restrictions in Iranian law and society suggests that any meaningful change will require more than just a relaxation of enforcement. It will necessitate a fundamental reevaluation of women’s status and rights within the Islamic Republic.

As this situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial to monitor not just official statements, but also the day-to-day experiences of Iranian women. Only time will tell whether the announced changes in morality police practices will translate into real improvements in women’s freedoms and quality of life in Iran.