The Running Battle: Marathon Runners Challenge Mandatory Dress Code on Kish Island

This controversy highlights a deep political schism within Iran's ruling structure, with ultra-conservatives increasingly criticizing the judiciary for what they perceive as inadequate efforts to uphold the mandatory headscarf law, fearing the growing influence of Western social norms. These hardline lawmakers frequently accuse authorities of being too lenient, pushing for the immediate and full implementation of stricter enforcement measures and harsher penalties. Their relentless pressure reflects a deep-seated anxiety that the Islamic Republic is losing its grip on the public sphere and the foundational moral principles upon which the state was founded.