Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at his first press conference since assuming office in July, pledged to ensure that Iran's morality police would not "harass" women.
His remarks coincided with the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death while in police custody, an event that sparked widespread protests across the country.
Pezeshkian emphasized that morality police never intended to confront women over their attire and promised to take action to prevent such incidents. This pledge marks a shift from the policies under former president Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash in May 2024.
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Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, was arrested in September 2022 for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code for women, which mandates covering the head and neck in public.
Her death led to nationwide protests that resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the arrest of thousands of demonstrators.
During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian committed to opposing mandatory hijab patrols and easing internet restrictions in Iran.
The country has long limited access to social media platforms like Facebook and X, especially during times of unrest, such as the protests following Amini's death.
Pezeshkian reiterated his government's efforts to relax online restrictions, focusing on improving access to social media platforms.
