Women not wearing Hijab barred from services in east Iran: Authorities

"No structure, facility, university, bank, company in the province of South Khorasan is allowed to provide services to women without hijab. If it is found out that such women are provided services, the head of the facility or a person in charge will be held accountable for this negligence and mistake," Talebi was quoted by Aftab news agency as saying.

Over the past several months, hijab wearing has been a contentious topic in Iran. Violent riots broke out in the country in mid-September in connection with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who passed away while in police custody after being detained for wearing an "improper" hijab. Many Iranian citizens accused the controversial morality police of Amini's death, alleging that officers hit her in the head during questioning.

Protests turned violent, with rioters attacking clerics, imams of Iranian mosques, members of Iran's security and major military structures.

In addition, two terrorist attacks took place in the country in late October and early November, with attackers shelling groups of civilians and police officers.

(With UNI inputs)