Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said he would need two to three months to study, review and implement any necessary reforms in the Haia.

He told Arab News: “I am a man with a pure administrative background. Therefore I need time to understand the technicalities of the Haia and decide on changes, if any.”

Replacing Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Humayen, Al-Asheikh is known for his moderate stand on many issues, top of which is women's right to work in public places.

“I have always supported women working in places such as supermarkets provided that their dignity is preserved in accordance with Islamic teachings. I even called for recruiting them in various jobs and referred to legitimate teachings that supported this,” said Al-Asheikh.

Al-Asheikh is planning to establish a women’s department in the Haia to provide job opportunities for women.

“It is essential for women to find women to interact with in such places. Women are closer to their own gender than men,” said Al-Asheikh, adding that there are women who are voluntarily cooperating with the commission.

“The essence of the Haia’s work is to preserve the rights of people, and 'hisba', (or enjoining virtue and preventing vice) is originally a voluntary task done out of people's keenness to maintain goodness in society. Yet lately, as life became complicated, the government decided to support those who are helping maintain virtue financially,” said Al-Asheikh.

He conceded wrongdoings from members of Haia are not acceptable. However, he added that although diligence motivates them, "some act in the right way and some make mistakes".

“Human dignity, value and being are preserved by God Almighty. He created man to occupy and reconstruct the earth and to establish a decent life until the end of time,” said Al-Asheikh.

"Mistakes do happen," he said, indicating that to avoid them happening in the future the commission would hold training and awareness courses for its members.

“The Saudi citizen believes in the Haia members' goodness and often are requested to participate when there are gatherings of crowds that might result in conflicts. People trust in them and feel contentment,” said Al-Asheikh.

On the other hand, mistakes will be dealt with and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions, he added.

Al-Asheikh previously worked as a director general of investigations at the General Presidency, second assistant secretary-general at the Council of Senior Religious Scholars and special adviser at the Riyadh governorate.

A holder of a doctoral degree in Islamic sciences from Imam Muhammad Islamic University, Al-Asheikh gained his bachelor's degree from the College of Shariah in Riyadh in 1974 and did his Master's in comparative jurisprudence in 1984.

“I am available and willing to reply to all inquiries and to communicate with the media openly, but give me two to three months to be able to answer all questions and talk about what I have done and possible changes in the Haia,” said Al-Asheikh.