Eyewear major Lenskart has rolled out a refreshed in-store appearance policy after facing sharp criticism on social media over a previous guideline that reportedly disallowed visible Hindu symbols such as the bindi and tilak, while permitting the hijab.

The backlash gained momentum online, with users accusing the company of inconsistency and religious bias. In response, the brand clarified that the policy being circulated was outdated and no longer reflected its current internal standards.

Sharing an updated version of the style framework on X, the company said it had taken note of public feedback and was now making its employee dress code transparent. The statement emphasised that the revised guide aims to standardise expectations across stores while respecting individual faith and cultural identity.

Under the updated rules, staff members are now allowed to wear religious or cultural identifiers including bindi, tilak, sindoor and similar markings. Items such as sacred threads (kalawa), bangles, mangalsutra and kada are also permitted. Employees who choose to wear a hijab can continue to do so. The broader guidelines around professional grooming and neat attire remain largely unchanged.

The company expressed regret if earlier communications had made any team member feel excluded or unwelcome on the basis of faith, stating that such an impression was not aligned with its values.

Despite the clarification, sections of social media users remained unconvinced. Some critics questioned how such a policy could have been introduced in the first place, while others said the response lacked a direct apology. A number of users announced that they would stop purchasing from the brand.

Founded in 2010 by Peyush Bansal along with Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi, Lenskart began as an online platform for contact lenses before expanding into a vertically integrated retail network. The company now operates more than 2,500 stores across India as well as international markets including Japan, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East.

The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny companies face over workplace policies, especially in matters relating to religion and cultural expression.