Iranian actress's attire draws Muslim ire

TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The non-traditional clothing worn by Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani to a New York event is an insult to her heritage, some online bloggers say.

An Iranian blogger identified only as Mahdavi said he was "disgusted" by photographs showing Farahani at a red carpet event not wearing the traditional headscarf worn by most Middle Eastern women, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

"When I saw those pictures, I was disgusted," the blogger said. "It was obvious from her frolicking that she had lost all sense of respectability."

While bloggers such as Mahdavi attacked the "Body of Lies" actress for her attire, other online voices offered support for the 25-year-old movie star.

"The hijab is only valuable when it's chosen, and not forced. Learn that we shouldn't be totalitarian. No one can force people to have or not to have hijab. Remember this," a blogger identified as Behzad said, referring to the traditional hijab headscarf.

The Post said Farahani's appearance at last Sunday's event marked the first time the Iranian public saw the actress without the traditional clothing.