Masoud Pezeshkian on Hijab

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's President, has taken a firm stance against the mandatory wearing of the hijab being enforced through state power. He asserts that the issue "must be resolved with logic, not with conflict" and champions resolving it through cultural education rather than coercion. This position was made clear when he stated that he "cannot enforce the chastity and hijab law because it creates problems for people and I will not stand against the people." He further expressed his personal belief in the hijab but insisted that women cannot be forced to wear the chador, positioning himself against the draconian measures advocated by hardline factions.

His opposition extends to specific legislation; he previously voiced "many reservations" about a law that proposed severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential imprisonment, which was subsequently postponed. The president's direct criticism of mandatory hijab laws comes amid significant internal political pressure from hardliners who support strict enforcement, and follows the widespread 2022 protests ignited by the death of a woman detained by morality police. His emphasis is on persuasion and cultural acceptance over confrontation to settle the long-running dispute.