Iranian women have grown up under restrictive laws imposed by the mullahs since 1979. In the cities, however, many wear their headscarves well back on their heads, pushing the boundaries of the law

Women in Tehran will no longer be arrested for appearing in public with their heads uncovered, almost 39 years after the strict dress code was introduced.

The surprise announcement was made late last night by police in the Iranian capital and overturns one of the most visible pillars of the Islamic laws under which the country has been governed since 1979.

“Those who do not observe the Islamic dress code will no longer be taken to detention centres, nor will judicial cases be filed against them,” said General Hossein Rahimi, the city’s police chief.

Repeat offenders may still face prosecution and the relaxation applies only in the capital, which is known for the liberal mores that thrive behind its closed doors. Offenders will instead be