New York City Mayor Zahraan Mamdani has come under intense public criticism for a World Hijab Day post shared by his office that described the hijab as a symbol of faith, identity, and pride. The message sparked controversy because it came amid widespread protests in Iran against compulsory hijab laws and reports of women facing arrest, violence, and even death for rejecting mandatory dress codes.

The post highlighted celebrating Muslim women and girls who freely choose to wear the hijab, but activists and commentators argued its timing was inappropriate, accusing the mayor of overlooking the real-world struggles of Iranian women.

Iran-born American journalist Masih Alinejad publicly challenged Mamdani, saying the mayor’s message seemed to stand with oppressors rather than Iranian women resisting enforced dress codes.

French author Bernard-Henri Lévy and other critics also questioned the post’s tone and timing, suggesting it ignored the urgent human rights context in Iran.