Morteza Talaei, a former police commander and Tehran city council member, has openly criticized the strict enforcement of hijab laws, stating that increased pressure has only yielded negative results.
He remarked that the issue has shifted from “improper hijab” to more extreme forms of defiance, including nudity in public spaces.
Talaei described the current situation as a form of resistance by women against the way society is managed.
Citing examples of people shopping in undergarments, he argued that authorities cannot ignore the reality on the ground and that harsh measures have only fueled opposition.
These comments from a prominent conservative figure highlight the growing disconnect between state policies and social realities in Iran.
The admission suggests a recognition within some circles that coercive tactics are failing to control the cultural shifts and demands for freedom among the Iranian population.