Opt-out choice for Air France staff in Iran headscarf row

Under Iranian law, women must cover their heads in public places Credit: Reuters

Female Air France flight staff will be able to opt out of journeys to Iran in a row over headscarves, the company has said.

Cabin crew and pilots will have discretion whether or not to work the route to Tehran, Iran's capital city, after staff voiced concerns about being forced to cover their heads in the country.

Under Iranian law, women must cover their hair in public places.

Air France is preparing to restart flights to Tehran from April 17 after an eight-year hiatus due to sanctions.

Unions had raised concerns over an Air France ruling obliging female crew to wear a headscarf on leaving a plane.

But after a meeting on Monday between management and the unions, the airliner said it would offer female staff the choice of opting out of the flights.