TEHRAN -- Iranian authorities are introducing uniforms for female civil servants as of March 21, the start of the Persian new year.
Iranian news agencies report that the uniforms will be designed according to religious and cultural criteria, and that the main colors of the clothing will be navy blue and dark grey.
Officials say the decision to introduce the uniforms was made at the request of female civil servants.
Deputy Interior Minister Alireza Afshar has been quoted as saying that wearing the uniforms will be a voluntary choice made by women workers.
According to Iranian reports, authorities are also considering introducing uniforms for female university students.
In accordance with Islamic rules, women in Iran must already wear long gowns and headscarves to conceal their body contours and hair.
With agency reports