Hijabs in Tajikistan

Tajik religious leaders are joining government efforts to ban the hijab:

"In an official meeting with clerics and imams last week, the country’s Council of Islamic Clerics suggested that "foreign-made" hijabs are unsuitable for women in Tajikistan.

"Instead, the clerics have encouraged Tajik women to switch to the national costume, which consists of a dress reaching below the knee, worn with trousers. The color and length of the national costume vary depending on women’s individual tastes. A head scarf is considered optional...

"Cleric Qobiljon Boev, the head of the fatwa department at the council, says the clerics believe the imported hijabs 'do not meet Islamic standards.' He said the hijabs 'seem to be too tight.'"