Throughout the novel Persepolis, several times the issue of acceptable clothing is brought up as a theme. Satrapi's family is very modern, and as such, doesn't adhere to the strict Muslim codes for dress. When the new government took over and the new regime made many new dress rules, the Satrapi family was not thrilled. In fact, several times throughout the novel, Satrapi commentates on the issue of mandated clothing.
Beginning from the very first page, Satrapi already comments on the mandated hijabs within schools. Not a single girl understands what the hijab is, or why they must wear them. The girls use them for every other purpose than the one they are intended to be used for. Through this rather comedic image, Satrapi comments on the ridiculousness of mandated rule by a religious authority, as most of the country does not truly understand why a decision was made.
Even though the populous was resistant to the Islamic rules, they were still enforced. On page 133, the reader learns that girls were taken to the "committee" for indecent dress. In fact, the "committee" was not obligated to let the parents know of the abduction, and there were many instances of torture and even death. This intense enforcement was ridiculous, and Satrapi comments on the nature of it through the book.
Page 138 also has some insight into the prices of western clothes relative to the rest. Marjane's mother seemed shocked to learn that jeans would cost as much as they did. Of course, inflation played a major role int he price of
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