Iran ban on 'Western' hairstyles By Frances Harrison BBC News, Tehran
Iranian police have warned barbers not to give men western hair styles or use make up on them.
The move is part of an unusually fierce crackdown on what is known locally as bad hijab, or un-Islamic clothing, that this year is also targeting men.
Hair stylists have been warned that they could lose their licenses if they do not comply.
However, police have denied a report that they have ordered barbers not to serve customers wearing ties.
Police say that as well as avoiding western hairstyles and make up, barbers should not pluck customers' eyebrows.
Some young boys in Iran sport very wild hair styles , using gel to make their long hair stand on end in a fashion not seen in other countries.
Meanwhile newspapers in Iran have quoted the police as saying that 16,000 women and 500 men have been cautioned in the last week over their improper clothing.
It is not clear if these figures are nationwide or only apply to the capital, Tehran.
Iranian television has said the crackdown on un-Islamic clothing has entered its second phase now where mobile police units will patrol Tehran to look for those who are not observing Islamic dress properly.
According to the local media, Tehran's public prosecutor has suggested women who violate dress rules should be exiled from the capital to remote areas of the country.
A member of the parliament's legal committee has said there is no legal impediment to doing this.
--
Colin Brace
Amsterdam