Iranian police are resuming controversial patrols to ensure women obey dress codes and cover their hair in public, state media reports.

The “morality police” will return to the streets to enforce Iran’s hijab laws, a spokesman said on Sunday.

It comes 10 months after a young woman, Mahsa Amini, died in custody following her arrest in Tehran for allegedly breaking the dress code.

Her death triggered massive national protests and the patrols were paused.

However, Islamic hardliners have been demanding that the patrols be resumed for some time.

Under Iranian law, which is based on the country’s interpretation of Sharia, women must cover their hair with a hijab (headscarf) and wear long, loose-fitting clothing to disguise their figures.

The morality police unit is tasked with ensuring those rules are respected, and detaining people who are perceived to be “improperly” dressed.

During the patrols, officers will first warn women who are not complying with the rules, police spokesman Saeed Montazerolmahdi said, as quoted by hardline Tasnim news agency.

If they disobey orders, police may then opt for “legal action”, he added.