Navigating a Clash of Expectations and Personal Comfort in Tehran
During my visit to Iran, I encountered a situation that could have easily escalated. My family and I were on our way to a marketplace in Tehran, but had to pass a religious shrine. I was fully covered, as per my own choice and comfort, wearing a hijab and an abaya. However, upon entering the shrine, we were stopped by police officers. They reprimanded me for not wearing a chador, a longer cloak required for complete coverage. Despite my confusion, it became clear that what I considered modest attire did not align with local expectations, offering me a lesson in the complexities of cultural differences and religious practices.