Lenskart dress code row: Hijab allowed, bindi restriction triggers backlash; CEO responds

The document triggered sharp criticism on social media, with users questioning the apparent disparity in guidelines around religious expression.

CEO issues clarification, takes responsibility

Responding to the uproar, founder and CEO Peyush Bansal said the viral document was “inaccurate” and did not reflect the company’s current policies.

In a follow-up statement, he clarified that it was an outdated internal training note—not an official HR policy—and admitted it contained an “incorrect line” regarding bindi and tilak, which had already been removed.

Bansal stressed that Lenskart imposes no restrictions on religious expression and apologised for the confusion.

“We have thousands of team members across Bharat who wear their faith and culture proudly every day,” he said, adding that the company regularly reviews its guidelines.

Company distances itself from old guidelines

The controversy escalated after the document detailed specific grooming rules, including restrictions on sindoor placement and religious wristbands, while prescribing conditions for hijab.

Critics flagged the inconsistency, prompting calls for clarification.

Taking responsibility for the lapse, Bansal said the issue had been identified earlier and the document withdrawn, but acknowledged it should have been caught sooner.

The company has since reiterated its commitment to inclusivity and said the matter is being reviewed.

Calling the document outdated, he said, “Our grooming policy has evolved over the years and outdated versions do not represent who we are today. We apologize for the confusion and concern this situation has caused.”