"We reminded Fide that the forced wearing of a hijab or other dress is contrary to Fide’s handbook, as well as against the International Olympic Committee’s principles, an organization Fide has sought to join for a substantial period of time.

"We hope that each of our qualifiers, along with other participants around the world, will be able to participate in the Women’s World Championship without the distraction of political or religious concerns."

The English and Danish chess federations have also issued statements opposing the decision, as has the Association of Chess Professionals.

However, last week the head of Iran's chess federation, Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, said the calls for a boycott were unreasonable.

"Everywhere in the world, there are rules on how to cover your body. There is no place in the world where people can wear nothing in public," he said.

Fide's chief executive Geoffrey Borg, also told a Tehran press conference last week that federation members had not expressed "the slightest objection" when Iran was selected as host.

"Chess players should respect the laws of countries," Borg said. "The only objections have been on personal pages, for which Fide is not responsible."