Finally, a ban we can support! If we can get Crocs on this list, we may be able to overlook Iran’s little nuclear and human rights issues.

Okay, not really, but we doubt if there will be rallies on behalf of the opposition on this one. The Islamic republic recently held a Modesty and Veil Festival where organizer Jaleh Khodayar proposed styles “inspired by Iranians’ complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law.”  {Telegraph}

So which hairstyles are appropriate? Apparently the Iranian complexion, culture and religion favor Elvis style pompadours, hair gel in moderation, man bangs and previously banned goatees. The hairstyles appeared at a Tehran hair show (we’re guessing these are far less exciting than US hair shows), approved by the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance. Elaborate spikes, however, are out.

Iranian hipsters fighting for their right to be business in the front, party in the back, will find it difficult to find barbers willing to be accomplices. According to the Telegraph, barber shops offering “Western-style” haircuts have been shut down.

While we’re not crazy about mullets, having actual fashion police to regulate appearances is extreme. Bad taste may make you unemployable for certain employers, but it certainly shouldn’t make anyone a criminal.

The official reason for the move is that the plug is being pulled to support local technology. Unofficially, anyone who’s witnessed the heavy-handed crackdown on government opposition demonstrators sees it as a move to stifle organization opportunities for any anti-government protesters, expected to turn out during celebrations of the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Republic.

Increasingly, the real sign of popularity and user adoption for social sites and communication tools seems to come from making an appearance on the Iranian government’s banned or blocked list. A rundown of websites and communication tools blacked out in Iran.

• Gmail
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• the Internet (reportedly slowed to a crawl)
• text and mobile messaging (reportedly slowed to a crawl)
• Voice Over IP (VOIP) services