News

The Iranian government is currently launching a crackdown on women who do not properly adhere to Islamic dress code and tourists have been warned that they too must comply.

In recent years the country has taken a soft line on the dress code but in the last ten days, more than 10,000 women have received warnings for the way they are dressed.

Police are telling locals that this is not a temporary measure and they are keen to avoid confrontation with foreign tourists who are unaware of the rules.

'We have asked travel agencies to warn tourists and to explain the laws of this country,' deputy chief of Tehran's police force Hossein Sajedi-Nia told the ISNA news agency.

Each summer the police launch a crackdown on women's dress but this year has seen those efforts increased, with Mr Sajedi-Nia saying that plain-clothed officers would be on patrol.

Women are required to cover their heads and conceal their curves in Iran and non-Muslim women must also comply.

Mr Sajedi-Nia confirmed that the current crackdown will not cease and said that the actions of the police are designed to protect women.

'At the moment, women are unable to go in peace to public baths, swimming pools or hotels,' he added.

If you'd like to see this destination for yourself, use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights, hotels, holidays and car hire worldwide.

© Adfero Ltd