Hijab is the Islamic Republic's "Symbol," Iranian Vice President Says

Mohammad Dehghan, Iran's vice president for legal affairs, has once against revealed the misogynistic nature of the country's clerical regime by stating that "hijab is the symbol of the Islamic Republic.”

“Without hijab, the Islamic Republic would not have much of a meaning,” Dehghan said on May 13, adding, “So we must not be negligent on this issue.”

When asked whether women who flout the Islamic Republic's strict dress code are all felons, he answered, “No, the felons are those who promote not wearing hijab in an organized way. They are usually connected to foreign countries, and they apparently play the role of mercenaries who promote not wearing hijab.”

A growing number of Iranian 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 triggered months of widespread protests demanding economic, social and political changes. 

In response, authorities have closed down hundreds of 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.