Wearing a headscarf is strictly enforced in Iran and has been since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Women who do not wear a hijab or are deemed to be wearing "bad hijab" by having some of their hair showing face punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Tehran is due to host the 2017 Women's World Chess Championships in February and concerns have been raised that players would be forced to comply with Iran's compulsory headscarf law.

Responding to a question from Tasnim News Agency on the need for female chess players to wear hijabs, Ilyumzhinov suggested this would indeed be the case.

"There are 188 members in FIDE, each of them has the right to hold chess competitions," he said. 

"All these countries have their own laws and customs, under which the tournaments are held.

"FIDE adheres to the belief that these laws should be respected."

During his visit to Tehran, Ilyumzhinov held talks with the Iran Chess Federation President Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh.

He also participated in the opening of two international chess events - the Children's Championship and the Tournament of the Towns.

American chess player Nazí Paikidze announced her intention last month to boycott the 2017 Women’s World Championships. 

She said she hopes it will raise awareness of the "women of Iran fighting against discrimination every single day".

Mitra Hejazipour, the 2015 Asian women's champion, called on fellow chess players to reject calls for a boycott.

The Iranian told The Guardian that staying away would undermine efforts to promote female sport in the country.