Rise in Women Appearing Without Hijab on Iranian Streets Challenges Regime

According to reports, the presence of women without hijabs in public spaces in Iran has increased in recent months. While conservative circles and some religious officials have called for action against what they term "public nudity," the regime appears to be acting with caution regarding the widespread enforcement of dress codes. Reports indicate that some businesses have been shut down for failing to enforce hijab rules among customers, yet on the streets, many women continue to appear without head coverings. A 60-year-old resident of Tehran told CNN that authorities still seem hesitant to confront women directly in public. Analysts suggest that the Iranian regime, facing economic pressures and the aftermath of regional tensions, is concerned that returning morality police to the streets to confront large numbers of women could trigger widespread unrest similar to the 2022 protests. This situation reflects a strategic calculation by the authorities, who appear to prefer focusing on indirect pressure, such as closing commercial establishments, rather than direct confrontation on the streets.