Iran’s President abandons CNN interview over head scarf demand

A long-planned interview between the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour was cancelled on Wednesday, after she declined a last-minute demand to wear a head scarf.

CNN has reported the president had suggested that Amanpour wear a head scarf. Amanpour said that she “politely declined.”

Amanpour told CNN she wears a head scarf while reporting in Iran to comply with the local laws and customs. The interview was planned to take place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Amanpour continued: ““Here in New York, or anywhere else outside of Iran, I have never been asked by any Iranian president – and I have interviewed every single one of them since 1995 – either inside or outside of Iran, never been asked to wear a head scarf.”

“I very politely declined on behalf of myself and CNN, and female journalists everywhere because it is not a requirement.”