A heated debate unfolded earlier this week in Iran over statements by the new reform-oriented president about reining in the morality police. In his first press conference since taking office six weeks ago, President Masoud Pezeshkian said he would work to ensure that authorities no longer harasses women over the wearing of the compulsory hijab.

"Are you still being harassed?" he asked a female journalist who was standing behind the microphone wearing a loose headscarf. She reported taking detours and making evasive maneuvers to avoid being stopped by the morality police.

The exchange sparked a controversial debate online and in political circles, with Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, chief justice of the Supreme Court, criticizing Pezeshkian's words

"Mr. President, you are asking whether the morality police still exist and interfere? The real question should be the inappropriate wearing of the journalist's hijab and the values that must not be violated," he said.

A conservative parliamentarian also warned Pezeshkian against such statements, saying "it is hard to believe the president wants to admonish the morality police."

Iranian women, some of whom are active on social networks under their real names, reacted with anger. Since the tragic death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody two years ago, many........

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