Assistant undersecretary of the ministry for development Fahd Al-Tikhaifi did not reveal the exact number of the violating shops, but said in addition to cutting online services, some of them were warned officially in writing and others were made to give written pledges that they would implement the ministry’s directive, which became effective from Jan. 4.

Al-Tikhaifi said the ministry was currently coordinating with the ministries of commerce and municipal and rural affairs in addition to governorates to take extra punitive measures against violating shops, including closing them down and withdrawing licenses.

He, however, explained the decision is currently restricted to lingerie shops only while other shops selling women clothes, cosmetics and accessories were given until July to implement the regulations.

Al-Tikhaifi described the execution of the ministry's decision so far as satisfying and said many of the lingerie shops were quick in employing women workers.

According to him, the ministry's decision was supported by 16 chambers of commerce and industry, the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training through the provision of training of Saudi women wishing to work in women shops.

He said in a gesture of support to the ministry, Bab Rizq Jameel (BRJ) through its 11 branches all over the Kingdom started offering more job opportunities to Saudi women.

The assistant undersecretary explained adjustments required from shops affected by the ministry's decision included tinting windows to ensure saleswomen inside the shops could not be seen by passersby. He added department stores selling women’s fashion were exempted from this decision. “However, only women are allowed entry to the female sections in these shops,” he added.

Al-Tikhaifi said HRDF would provide financial support and training for Saudi women wishing to work in women’s fashion shops for the next three years.