The gesture that got Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into trouble

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a conservative by the standards of Iranian politics, was attacked by the Hezbollah newspaper for acting "contrary to Sharia law".

It accused him of "indecency and violating religious values".

The elderly woman at the centre of the controversy was wearing thick gloves, a headscarf, and a long black coat.

Ahmadinejad, better known in the west for his fiery anti-Israel rhetoric and his staunch defence of Iran's nuclear program, has been criticised in the past by ultra-conservative elements in Iran.

He once suggested that women should be allowed to watch football matches. This proved highly controversial and was turned down.