New Delhi, Apr 18 (Agencies): On Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj's first visit to Iran, what she wore drew almost as much attention as what she did and said. Her meeting with Iranian President has gone viral online with some questioning why she covered her head.

Ms Swaraj was seen in a pink sari and pink shawl for most of her meetings in Tehran. The shawl completely covered her head, and the image was soon buzzing on twitter.

An uncharitable tweet said the minister "is wearing a pink potato sack" and another accused her of "appeasement".

In Iran, the law requires all women to cover up, but there have been women dignitaries who have tried to resist. It has not always worked.

Reports say Italy's Emma Bonino, the EU Foreign minister, was forced to wear a headscarf in 2014 after she landed in Tehran.

The Iranian Chief of Protocol reportedly came to the tarmac with three headscarves for her, which she first refused. But when Iran threatened to cancel her visit, she hastily put it on.

Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop also wore a headscarf in Iran a year ago.

Even then, some conservative media outlets fussed over it, saying she had not "completely complied with hijab requirements". Ms Bishop responded to the criticism saying: "This is our first visit to Iran in 12 years and I do not want to make it our last."