In an attempt to reassert control following months of nationwide demonstrations and unrest, the Iranian government is seeking to reintroduce strict dress codes, including the mandatory wearing of hijabs for women. The unrest followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who had been detained by the morality police, which saw women and girls protest by removing their headscarves. Over the weekend, thousands of text messages were sent to business owners and drivers reminding them of the renewed crackdown on women who do not wear hijabs. The Iranian state broadcaster, IRIB News, reported that officials also warned that those who encourage women to remove their hijabs would be prosecuted. Deputy Attorney General Ali Jamadi stated that the crime of promoting an unveiling would be dealt with in the criminal court, whose decisions are final and unappealable, according to the semi-official Mehr News Agency.

The government’s emphasis on enforcing the hijab was announced on April 8, with implementation starting over the weekend. However, this move has faced criticism from some Iranian women who believe that wearing a hijab should be a personal choice. One resident, Nasiri, who only provided one name, stated that the hijab should be a voluntary matter and that it should be up to each individual to decide whether they want to wear it or not. Nasiri further argued that enforcing the hijab would have the opposite effect and lead to resistance instead of compliance.

https://www.aol.com/news/iran-cracks-down-enforce-strict-091857407.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-impose-strict-dress-code-hijab-women-protests-mahsa-amini-rcna79081 

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/25/world/middleeast/iran-women-hijab-hair.html