Iran rock climber Elnaz Rekabi competes without hijab

A female Iranian climber who competed with her hair uncovered did so because her hijab fell off "inadvertently", a post on her Instagram account says.

Elnaz Rekabi, 33, was praised by those protesting against Iran's dress code after video emerged of her at the Asian Championships in South Korea on Sunday.

BBC Persian reported on Monday that friends had been unable to contact her.

On Tuesday, the Instagram post apologised for "getting everybody worried" and said she was flying home.

Iranian law states that women must wear a hijab when taking part in sporting events.

18 October 2022