During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, millions of Iranian women left their homes and entered the public sphere, but their public presence was soon restricted with the ascension to power of the Ayatollah Khomeini. For Westerners the Iranian women's seemingly easy acceptance of the forced wearing of the veil (chador) appeared to be their ultimate concession to repression. But the acceptance of the veil was considered a minor concession as the women focused on the greater task of disposing the Shah. In addition to the law requiring the "hejab" (complete covering of a woman), other religious-based laws that discriminated against women were reinstated. The continued support of Khomeini and Islamic traditionalism by women must be seen in the context of the past and the social classes and social contexts of Iran today. The Westernization of Iran encouraged under the Shah challenged the middle class and peasant women's traditional lifestyle, religious beliefs, and cultural identity while it failed to meet their needs. These women eagerly embraced the traditional practices. Westerners are reminded that religious fundamentalism and the suppression of women occur in many nations undergoing revolution. An ll-item bibliography is included. (DJC)