Zarir became impressed with Sudaveh’s social skills. Although conservatives derided people from her class as Western stooges, Zarir found her boss’ world attractive.

Sudaveh hired more female employees. But she was frustrated by their refusal to interact with her male workers.

“It was hurting the bottom line,” Sudaveh said. “A group effort means a group.” One day, she gathered all the women working in the upstairs rooms. She led them down the steps. “I said, ‘You won’t put your head down. You’ll raise your head and look at the men in the eyes.’”

Within months, an easy informality set in. The men and women began addressing each other by their first names and worked side by side.

Seven years ago, Sudaveh opened up her own shop, with her own brand. It did well, and she opened another store.

Sudaveh’s daughter finished her studies and began working for her mom. She hired a software programmer to set up a computer inventory system, putting bar codes on outfits.

The business has expanded to about a dozen stores nationwide, generating millions of dollars in annual revenues. Sudaveh bought a condominium in Toronto.

The morality police still come around, although they are more a nuisance these days than a threat; they will shutter shops — but temporarily.