There is news on social media claiming that Iran has officially abolished the law that makes hijab mandatory for women in the country; however, this is not true, as despite a change in the law, the mandatory hijab requirement remains in effect.
As per the details, it is not true that Iran has officially ended the mandatory hijab requirement for women. Multiple sources confirm the mandatory hijab law remains in effect, although its enforcement has changed and is inconsistent.
Reports of the law being abolished likely originated from misinterpreted or retracted statements by officials. Recently, Mohammadreza Bahonar, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, stated that the law was “no longer legally enforceable.
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Following immediate backlash from hardliners, Bahonar quickly walked back his remarks and affirmed the hijab as a “social necessity. The Expediency Council also distanced itself from Bahonar’s initial statement.
The mandatory hijab is still legally required. Article 638 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, which criminalizes appearing unveiled in public, has not been repealed.
In 2024, Iran’s parliament approved an even stricter “Hijab and Chastity” law with tougher penalties. However, its implementation was put on hold due to public backlash.
