But Mitra Hejazipour's statement has merit too, especially considering she's the Iranian citizen, and her home country getting this kind of a tournament on the world stage is probably a big step for local women competitors.
I would disagree there, as it comes across as "Well, it could be worse!"
The reasoning of "that's the way things are done there" is no different then when conservative groups in the US push for the complete ban of the hijab here.
Respecting another culture goes both ways. It means allowing others to be themselves, but drawing the line when they try to force others to conform.
If a woman wants to wear the hijab, she should be free to do so.
If a woman does not want to wear a hijab, she should be free to do so.
Someone who forces either (with the limited exception of specific safety rules in certain situations) is not respecting anything.