An Iranian athlete has seemingly spoken out about 'unintentionally' competing without a hijab after she defied her country's regime in a climbing competition in South Korea.
Fears have been growing over the safety of Elnaz Rekabi after she disobeyed the strict rules of the Islamic Republic when competing for Iran in the Asian Sport Climbing Championships in Seoul.
Ms Rekabi was hailed by Iranian supporters and activists who are protesting against strict dress code laws, after she was seen publicly with her hair uncovered in a ponytail while scaling walls during the competition.
After she had shunned Iran's restrictions, Rekabi's friends formally declared her as missing after telling BBC's Persian service that they lost all contact on Monday.
On Tuesday, the Iranian embassy said Rekabi had flown back to the capital Tehran.
"Ms Elnaz Rekabi left Seoul for Iran on Tuesday morning, after the Asian Championships rock climbing competition ended," a statement said.
"The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea strongly denies all fake news, lies and false information about Ms Elnaz Rekabi."
And Ms Rekabi has now appeared to speak out on the decision that has sparked fears over her safety, after a post on her Instagram story, apologising to people who had concerns for her.
As per the Iran International English news channel, Ms Rekabi revealed in her post that the "problem" over not wearing the head covering during the climbing event happened 'unintentionally' and because of 'inappropriate timing'. She confirmed she was returning to Iran from Seoul alongside the rest of her Iranian teammates.
Ms Rekabi had competed without a hijab amid nationwide anti-government protests against their compulsory use in Iran. The deadly protests gripping the country were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody.
Amini had been detained for not wearing a hijab properly in Tehran in September and her death caused mass outrage in the country.
Iranian law states that women must use a hijab to cover their hair and the mandatory rule is also applicable when the country's athletes represent them in competitions abroad.
The strict rules have prompted fears that Rekabi could be sent straight to prison after her return from South Korea.
According to independent Iranian news outlet Iranwire, Iranian authorities plan to send Ms Rekabi to Tehran's notorious Evin prison directly after landing at the airport.
Brother Daud Rekabi, also a rock climber, is also said to have been detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, in unconfirmed reports.
Rekabi had finished in fourth place at the Asian Sport Climbing Championships and her participation without a hijab was broadcast around the world.
