Iran Official Blames Women’s Hijab Defiance for 'Urban Pollution'

A senior official from Iran's Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters has claimed that women who refuse to wear mandatory headscarves are causing "urban pollution" and threatening the foundation of families.

Mohammadreza Mirshamsi, the deputy for social affairs at the headquarters, made the statement on X in response to President Masoud Pezeshkian's address on energy consumption and air pollution.

"The lack of hijab has polluted cities and put the foundation of families at risk," Mirshamsi wrote, urging authorities to launch a campaign to compel women to "follow God's command."

The remarks come amid ongoing resistance against Iran's strict hijab enforcement policies, with mandatory dress codes facing widespread defiance from women.

Since April 13, Iran’s law enforcement agencies have intensified the enforcement of hijab regulations under the national action plan “Noor.”

Across the country, there have been numerous reports of women being arrested and subjected to force for perceived violations of dress codes.