Police to Crack Down on "Norm-Breaking" Women on Beaches

In a continued tightening of supervision of the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code ahead of the summer season, the commander of Iran's police force has announced that electronic surveillance systems will be used to identify "norm-breaking" women who flout mandatory hijab rules on the beaches.

State media reported on May 8 that commander Ahmadreza Radan urged the governors of coastal provinces to intensify efforts to tackle “abnormalities” on the beaches.

Radan defended mandatory hijab, claiming that it upholds Islamic social norms and societal well-being.

Meanwhile, the deputy police officer of Mazandaran announced the implementation of a plan to “improve social security” in the parks and promenades across the Caspian province.

Within 72 hours, 265 warnings have been issued to violators of hijab regulations and individuals walking dogs, he said.

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

But a growing number of women have appeared in public without hijab following months of unrest sparked by the September death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Amini had been detained allegedly wearing a head covering improperly.

Some defiant women were arrested, summoned by the authorities and faced legal cases, while hundreds of small businesses and shopping malls were shut down for allegedly failing to enforce hijab rules on their customers. Taxi drivers have been fined for transporting women without headscarves, while police and volunteers have issued warnings in subways, airports and other public places.