Tehran, July 15, The Iran Project � Stressing on the need of using the talents and abilities of women in the society, Iran�s president Hasan Rouhani says flimsy excuses should not be cause for depriving the society of women�s capabilities.

Addressing a gathering of activists, women and families organizations, president Rouhani emphasized on the importance of using the talents and abilities of women in the society and said flimsy excuses should not be cause for depriving society of women�s capabilities.

Rouhani added if the capabilities of women are not used efficiently in the society, both women and society will be oppressed.

He went on to say �we need to take steps toward creating equal opportunities [for men and women] in the country.�

In addition to creating equal opportunities, we should provide the conditions for creating equal protection for both men and women, president said pointing to the difficult responsibilities of women in the society.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he reiterated that commitment to hijab and chastity does not come under the gun, adding hijab is not just limited to physical coverage.