Women Defy Hijab Laws as Iran Faces Growing Discontent

TEHRAN, Iran — Women across Iran are increasingly defying the country’s mandatory hijab laws, a significant shift in a society long characterized by strict enforcement of dress codes. This cultural evolution has emerged in the wake of the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which ignited widespread protests and a renewed push for women’s rights.

As visitors arrive in Tehran, they may initially notice only fleeting glimpses of this change—a passenger in a car or a pedestrian navigating the city’s notorious traffic. However, in the cooler northern neighborhoods along Vali-e Asr Street, a different picture unfolds. Women sporting a variety of hairstyles, from brown and black to blonde and gray, are now a common sight, suggesting a growing resistance against the hijab mandate.

The shift in public behavior comes after decades of enforcement by conservative clerics and hard-line politicians who have upheld the hijab laws since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. According to Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the current environment feels unimaginable compared to the late 1990s, when even a single strand of hair could lead to reprimands from morality police.

The Iranian government issued a three-day visa for journalists to attend a summit featuring Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, amidst ongoing tensions regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Although access to broader reporting was limited, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the evolving social landscape in Iran since previous visits in 2018 and 2019.

During these intervening years, Iran has faced numerous challenges, including protests over economic conditions, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and a brief conflict with Israel. The hijab rule has remained a contentious issue, with the government struggling to maintain compliance amid growing public dissent.

For years, enforcement was rigorous, with police and the paramilitary Basij force monitoring women’s attire closely. While many women previously pushed their scarves back as a subtle act of defiance, outright removal of the hijab was a rare act of rebellion. Recent observations, however, reveal a dramatic shift.

In Tajrish Square, situated at the base of the Alborz Mountains, young girls often shed their hijabs after school, darting between cars and sharing laughter. Women of all ages are seen without head coverings at the bustling Tajrish Bazaar and near the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine, while police officers appear untroubled by their presence. At the upscale Espinas Palace Hotel, multiple women walk past signs requesting adherence to the hijab, a stark sign of changing attitudes even in a traditionally conservative city.

Despite the more liberal environment in northern Tehran, signs of the ongoing conflict are also present. An apartment building shows clear remnants of an Israeli strike, a reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions impacting daily life in Iran. Within the government, calls for stricter enforcement of hijab laws continue to come from hard-liners, yet reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian advocates for individual choice.

In a recent interview with NBC News, Pezeshkian stated, “Human beings have a right to choose,” reflecting a growing sentiment among some officials. Meanwhile, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has largely remained silent on the issue, allowing for a relative relaxation of enforcement amid the current socio-economic turmoil.

Economic pressures mount as the Iranian rial trades at over 1 million to $1 USD, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace. An unpublished survey from the state-linked Iranian Students Polling Agency highlights this discontent, revealing a significant gap between the government’s narrative and public sentiment.

“Years of economic hardship, inflation, currency volatility, unemployment, and public frustration over environmental and social challenges have sharply eroded trust in institutions,” noted the National Iranian American Council. The fear of another government crackdown looms large, particularly after a history of violent responses to protests over economic grievances and social freedoms.

For many Iranians, the struggle for personal freedom continues to be fraught with anxiety. An Iranian woman who recently emigrated to Canada shared her experiences, noting, “All of my life I had to wear hijab… It made me feel a lack of confidence.” This sentiment resonates across a society grappling with both internal and external pressures.

As Iran navigates these tumultuous waters, the evolving attitudes towards the hijab represent not only a cultural shift but also a broader response to years of discontent. The streets of Tehran tell a story of resilience and change, even as the future remains uncertain for a nation caught between tradition and modernity.