Iran's fashion crackdown moves beyond headscarves
Haaretz / Associated Press
22-Jun-2011

Islamic morality squads turn up the pressure in summer fashion offensive; Crackdown is part of a 'moral security plan' against western cultural invasion.

It's an Iranian rite of summer: Islamic morality squads pressure women to keep their headscarves snug and coverings in place, and after a few extra tugs for modesty's sake the crackdown inevitably fades.

This year, however, Iran's summer fashion offensive appears bigger and more ominous, and has expanded the watch list to men's hairstyles and jewelry considered too Western.

No official explanation has appeared for the sterner approach this season. But it fits with the steady push by Iran's ruling theocracy to reel back the liberal fashion trends that began in the 1990s, such as body-hugging coverings for women and earrings and tattoos for men, and to sweep away non-Islamic influences in universities and cultural institutions.

 

The drive to turn back the clock, part of what Iran calls a moral security plan, also could reach deeper as the all-powerful clerics running Iran move to reinforce their authority.

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