The first internationally recognized Miss Iraq Beauty Contest in over 40 years is facing criticism from religious and conformist tribal leaders, as per reports.

According to the report, at least two participants have pulled out after getting death threats by those who say the pageant is un-Islamic and intimidating public morality. 

The contest’s telecasted finale was initially planned to air on October 1 but has been delayed to at least December.  

One pro-Shia Muslim television channel in Iraq warned earlier this month that the pageant would corrupt the morals of the public and “create a base culture while our people face the danger of terrorism.”

Senan Kamel, the contest’s spokesman and one of its juries, said that even with the treats, the organizers and remaining participants remain determined to move forward with the event. “If we don’t stick to the standards, we will not receive approval to participate international pageant’s, but for sure we are the stage of wearing bathing suits.” Said Kamel.  

“There  are many indications that Iraq is finished, but such contests, give hope that life in Iraq goes on,” he said, adding that “we deliberately organized the competition, according to standards appropriate to Iraqi society to prove to the world that Iraq is a civilized country with a civic soul and a spirit of life.”

One such Miss Iraq contestant, Lubna Hameed, a 21-year-old university student from Baghdad said she hoped to serve as a role model for Iraqi women by participating in the contest.

“God willing, I will try to ignore (backlash) because it is an honor to represent my country,” she explained, she further said at the studios of Al Mada television station, which is planned to host the pageant.

Though a ban on headscarves is in place, the beauty pageant will nonetheless stick with more conservative attire, with swimsuits being replaced with more Muslim-appropriate outfits.