Lenskart Issues Revised Style Guide After Backlash Over Religious Dress Code

Eyewear retailer Lenskart has released a new and updated in-store style guide following a major social media backlash over its earlier employee dress code, which was widely criticised for allegedly allowing hijabs while restricting Hindu symbols such as bindis and tilaks.

The controversy sparked a national debate on workplace inclusivity, religious expression, and corporate sensitivity, forcing the company to publicly clarify its position and revise its internal policy.

What Triggered the Controversy

The issue began when an internal style guide document surfaced online. The older version reportedly included guidelines that:

• Allowed religious attire such as hijab and turbans
• But restricted symbols like bindi, tilak, and sacred threads
• Created allegations of selective religious bias

The document quickly went viral, triggering criticism on social media and accusations that the company was inconsistent in allowing religious expression.

The backlash intensified to the point where the company and its leadership had to respond publicly.

Company Response and Clarification

Following the uproar, Lenskart founder and CEO Peyush Bansal clarified that the circulating document was either outdated or misinterpreted and did not reflect the company’s current policy.

He stated that:

• The company does not prohibit any form of religious expression
• The earlier draft was part of internal documentation that was corrected
• Any confusion caused was acknowledged

The company also expressed regret over the misunderstanding and assured that inclusivity remains central to its workplace values.

What the New Style Guide Says

The newly released style guide is significantly more detailed and explicitly inclusive. It clearly states that employees are allowed to wear:

Religious and cultural symbols permitted:

• Bindi, tilak, sindoor
• Hijab, turban, kalawa, sacred threads
• Mangalsutra, kada, bangles
• Any other faith-based or cultural identity markers

Clothing and grooming standards:

• Clean, professional uniforms
• Approved jeans and footwear for store roles
• Minimal, non-distracting accessories

What is still restricted:

• Torn or distressed clothing
• Unsafe or overly flashy accessories
• Obscene or offensive markings
• Any attire that affects hygiene or safety

Company Statement on Inclusivity

In its official communication, Lenskart emphasized that it was built in India and represents a diverse workforce across thousands of stores.

The company stated that employees should not feel required to “leave their identity at the door” and reaffirmed its commitment to respecting cultural and religious diversity in the workplace.

Public and Political Reactions

The controversy triggered mixed reactions across social media:

• Critics argued the earlier policy reflected inconsistency in religious sensitivity
• Supporters welcomed the updated clarification as a positive correction
• Many users demanded stronger accountability for the initial document

Some also raised broader questions about corporate HR policies and how multinational-style branding intersects with cultural diversity in India.

Why This Matters

The incident has become more than just a corporate HR issue. It has sparked a wider conversation about:

• Religious expression in workplaces
• Equality in corporate dress codes
• Sensitivity in policy drafting
• Public accountability for private companies

Conclusion

The revised style guide by Lenskart marks an attempt to close a controversy that escalated quickly on social media. While the company has now explicitly allowed all major religious symbols, the debate around corporate inclusivity and workplace neutrality continues.

As Indian companies expand and diversify, such incidents highlight the growing importance of transparent and carefully designed internal policies.