Lenskart Revises Policy After Social Media Outrage
Eyewear giant Lenskart has revised its in-store employee dress code policy after facing widespread criticism over an earlier internal style guide that allegedly restricted visible Hindu religious symbols like bindi, tilak, sindoor, and kalawa while permitting hijabs and turbans.
The controversy began after an internal document dated February surfaced on social media, triggering sharp reactions from users who accused the company of showing bias and being culturally insensitive. Many questioned why certain religious symbols appeared to be restricted while others were allowed, leading to an intense online debate over equal treatment and inclusivity in corporate workplaces.
As outrage intensified, Lenskart moved quickly to clarify its position and release an updated style guide aimed at reassuring employees and customers alike.
Peyush Bansal Calls Old Policy an Internal Error
Responding to the criticism, Lenskart CEO Peyush Bansal described the earlier February document as an “internal training error” and said it had already been withdrawn.
In a public statement shared by the company, Lenskart acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity. The company said, “We have heard you. Clearly and openly… These guidelines explicitly and unambiguously welcome every symbol of faith and culture our team members carry – bindi, tilak, sindoor, kalawa, mangalsutra, kada, hijab, turban, and more. Not as exceptions. As who we are.”
The statement was seen as a direct effort to calm public anger and clarify that employees are free to express their cultural and religious identities in the workplace.
Company Issues Public Apology
Lenskart also apologised for any hurt caused by the earlier communication.
The company stated, “If any version of our workplace communication caused hurt or made any of our team members feel that their faith was unwelcome here, we are deeply sorry. That is not who Lenskart is, and it is not who we will ever be.”
It further emphasized its Indian roots, saying the company was “built in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians”, and promised that all future workplace policies would reflect these values.
The apology is being viewed as an attempt to repair the company’s image after the controversy sparked questions over whether its policies fairly respected all faiths.
New Style Guide Explicitly Allows Religious Symbols
Under the updated employee style guide, Lenskart has now clearly allowed employees to wear a wide range of cultural and religious symbols.
These include bindi, tilak, sindoor, kalawa, mangalsutra, kada, hijab, turban, and other religious or cultural items. The company said these symbols are welcome as part of its inclusive workplace environment.
The new guide also mentions that accommodations will be made for religion, culture, disability, pregnancy, and medical needs, while assuring that policies will be applied fairly and consistently.
Uniform and Grooming Standards Remain
While the policy now explicitly supports cultural expression, Lenskart has retained standard uniform and grooming requirements for professional presentation.
Employees are required to wear company-issued T-shirts with plain dark blue jeans and closed professional footwear. Grooming standards include neat hair, maintained facial hair, trimmed nails, and daily hygiene, with appropriate makeup for customer-facing roles.
According to the company, the objective is to create a professional yet inclusive retail environment where diversity is respected.
Updated Policy to Be Used Across All Stores
Lenskart said the revised style guide will now be implemented across its more than 2,400 stores and will be included in all future training materials and internal communications.
The company hopes the changes will reinforce its message that religious and cultural identity is welcome in the workplace, while also ensuring uniformity and professionalism in customer interactions.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions around workplace inclusivity and the importance of clear, balanced policies when dealing with cultural and religious expressions.
Why did Lenskart revise its employee dress code?
Lenskart revised its dress code after social media backlash over an older internal document that allegedly restricted Hindu symbols like bindi and tilak.
What does Lenskart’s new style guide allow?
The new style guide explicitly allows employees to wear religious and cultural symbols such as bindi, tilak, sindoor, kalawa, hijab, and turban.
What did Peyush Bansal say about the controversy?
Peyush Bansal said the February document was an internal training error that had already been withdrawn.
Will the new dress code apply to all Lenskart stores?
Yes, Lenskart said the updated policy will be implemented across all its stores and future training materials.
