IRAN is open to reviewing how it applies strict Islamic laws at the heart of widespread protests — but not the values that underpin them, the president said.

“We should pursue the best methods for the implementation of the law – every law,” Ebrahim Raisi told state TV in an interview, adding that “what isn’t subject to change are values.”

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after her arrest by so-called morality police who enforce Islamic laws on women’s clothing sparked deadly protests that have channeled widespread discontent over the rules.

“I always said officials should raise the threshold of their tolerance,” Raisi said.

He drew a distinction between protests and “riots,” echoing calls from other top officials for “rioters” to be punished. – BLOOMBERG