Iranian Insurance Retailer Suspended Over Hijab Violation

Azki.com is an insurance brokerage start-up in Iran that sells insurance contracts from main government insurance companies. The emergence of photos showing some female employees without headscarves drew the ire of hardliner media, demanding the government to close the company for not enforcing the hijab regulations.

In response to the controversy, Azki.com issued a statement on Sunday stating that it was compelled to suspend its operations pending a government investigation. The company clarified that the unauthorized publication of the photos did not reflect its commitment to enforcing the country's laws, including the mandatory hijab.

In recent times, Iran has witnessed an increasing number of women defying hijab rules and appearing in public without headscarves, particularly following anti-regime protests. The regime initially hesitated to react, fearing further public backlash, but it has since revived its 'morality police' patrols on the streets. These patrols stop women without hijab, interrogate them, and impose heavy fines or refer them to courts for potential severe punishments.

Azki.com's suspension comes in the wake of the government's previous action against Digikala, often dubbed as Iran's Amazon, which was shut down on July 24 for similar reasons. The company's female employees were photographed without hijab, leading to demands from hardliners to take strict measures against the retailer and its staff.