A leading Iranian model has been forced to give a public self-criticism after being charged with “promoting western promiscuity” for posting pictures of herself online without a headscarf.

Elham Arab, famous for her blonde hair, doll-like looks and wedding dress model shoots, is one of a string of Iranian models caught up in a sting operation code-named “Spider 2”. It is aimed at models and other figures in the fashion industry who have advertised themselves or appeared on Instagram and other social media sites.

Before a hearing at the Iranian Revolutionary Court in a case brought by the special cyber-crimes unit, Ms Arab was questioned on camera by the prosecutor, Abbas Doulatabadi.