Iran's Health Ministry Vows to Enforce Hijab Rules in Medical Centers

The Iranian Ministry of Health has established a "cultural council" to supervise the observance of "appropriate clothing and religious values" in hospitals and other medical centers, according to local media, as more women flout the Islamic Republic's mandatory headscarf rules.

The council's duties also include organizing "workshops on chastity and hijab training," KhabarOnline reported on May 10. 

The report said that from now on, a cleric will be present in every health center to monitor whether the strict dress code is observed.

The move comes as a growing number of women have appeared in public without the compulsory head covering since Mahsa Amini's death in the custody of morality police in September last year. 

In response, authorities have made legal threats and closed down many businesses due to the failure of owners or managers to observe hijab rules. Police and volunteers issue warnings in subways, airports and other public places. Text messages have targeted drivers who had women without head covering in their vehicles.

All women in Iran must conceal their hair with a headscarf and wear loose fitting trousers under their coats while in public.