Eyewear retailer Lenskart has rolled out a revised in-store dress code after facing backlash over alleged restrictions on religious symbols. The controversy began when a purported internal style guide surfaced online, suggesting that certain religious expressions particularly Hindu symbols like bindi and tilak were either discouraged or not explicitly permitted.
The issue gained traction after current and former employees shared their experiences, claiming that internal audits penalised staff for wearing items such as kalawa (sacred thread) and other cultural markers. These allegations triggered widespread debate on social media, with users questioning the company’s stance on religious inclusivity.
In response, Lenskart publicly released a standardised and transparent style guide, clarifying that religious and cultural symbols are not only allowed but welcomed in the workplace. The company also acknowledged that earlier communication may have caused confusion and apologised to employees who felt affected.
“We have heard you. Clearly and openly. Today, we are standardising our In-Store Style Guide and sharing it publicly and transparently.”~Lenskart
Updated Policy Explicitly Allows All Religious Symbols:
The newly released guidelines make it clear that employees are free to wear a wide range of religious and cultural identifiers, including bindi, tilak, sindoor, mangalsutra, kada, hijab, and turbans. The company emphasised that these are not exceptions but an integral part of its identity as a brand rooted in India.
The updated policy marks a clear shift from the earlier document that sparked controversy. That version, according to reports, appeared to allow certain forms of religious attire while failing to mention others, leading to accusations of inconsistency and bias.
The company stated that its workforce spread across more than 2,400 stores brings diverse traditions and beliefs to work every day, and these should be respected rather than restricted.
“Lenskart revises dress code, now allows bindi, tilak, and other religious symbols after backlash.”~NDTV
Founder Peyush Bansal Addresses Backlash:
Lenskart co-founder and CEO Peyush Bansal stepped in to clarify the situation, stating that the document circulating online was an outdated internal training file and not reflective of official policy. He admitted there had been a lapse in communication and accepted responsibility for not addressing it sooner.
Bansal reiterated that the company does not restrict religious expression and stressed that inclusivity remains a core value. He also assured that future policies and training materials would be reviewed carefully to avoid similar misunderstandings.
Despite the clarification, the controversy continued to generate strong reactions online, with some users questioning the company’s internal processes and others calling for greater accountability.
“Peyush Bansal says outdated document caused confusion, reiterates inclusive values.”~Economic Times
Debate Highlights Broader Workplace Inclusivity Issues:
The Lenskart episode has sparked a wider conversation about religious freedom and inclusivity in corporate workplaces. Experts say that while companies often implement dress codes to maintain a professional appearance, these policies must be carefully designed to respect cultural and religious diversity.
The incident also highlights how internal documents, even if outdated, can quickly become public and shape brand perception in the digital age. For Lenskart, the swift release of a revised policy appears to be an attempt to regain trust and reinforce its commitment to inclusivity.
“Lenskart releases inclusive dress code after allegations over religious symbols.”~Moneycontrol
Going forward, the company has said it will ensure greater transparency in its communication and regularly review its policies to reflect evolving workplace standards. While the immediate controversy may settle, the larger discussion it has triggered is likely to continue, especially as companies deal with the balance between uniformity and individual expression in diverse work environments.
