In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy dismissed the claims made by the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan as “baseless and unfounded,” expressing surprise at attempts to draw foreign countries into the Republic of Azerbaijan’s domestic affairs.

The embassy described the effort to associate Iran with the school hijab issue as an “awkward attempt” and stressed the need to avoid creating unnecessary tensions in the friendly and brotherly relations between Iran and Azerbaijan Republic.

On Sunday, the National NGO Forum of Azerbaijan (Milli QHT Forumu) issued a statement following the introduction of school dress-code rules in the country, urging the public to remain vigilant against foreign influence.

The organization alleged that certain internet sources and media outlets in Iran and several other countries were targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan’s secular model of governance and education system.

The dispute erupted after authorities began enforcing school uniform requirements that have reportedly resulted in hijab-wearing students being barred from classes and female teachers being told to remove their headscarves. The restrictions have prompted student boycotts and public demonstrations in Baku and other districts.

The rules stem from Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 309, adopted on September 21, which prohibits additional clothing that violates school uniform requirements or contradicts the principle of secular education. Although the resolution does not explicitly mention the hijab, its implementation has led to restrictions on headscarves in some schools.

Azerbaijan’s interior ministry said on October 12 that 37 people had been detained in connection with incidents surrounding the enforcement of school dress-code rules, alleging that they had provoked confrontations, damaged educational institutions and attempted to disrupt public order.

The controversy has also drawn protests beyond Azerbaijan Republic. Demonstrators gathered outside the country’s consulate in Istanbul, while Turkish civil society groups and political movements have previously urged President Ilham Aliyev to end restrictions on hijab-wearing students and ensure that girls can continue their education.