The controversial bill seeks to impose harsher penalties on women who refuse to wear the hijab and on businesses that serve them.

Summary

Iran has temporarily halted implementing a stricter headscarf law that proposed harsh penalties, including fines, prison sentences, and surveillance measures to enforce compliance.

The law faced criticism from President Masoud Pezeshkian and was paused to avoid reigniting protests like those after Mahsa Amini’s 2022 death in police custody.

Amini’s death, linked to hijab enforcement, sparked nationwide unrest and defiance of hijab laws.

Pezeshkian aims to ease tensions and restart nuclear talks, but hardliners’ push for the law could lead to a constitutional crisis if unresolved.