The story: Tehran municipality’s decision to replace the traditionally black-faced character of Haji Firouz with a white-faced version during Nowruz has stirred controversy. In a circular issued on Mar. 22, the municipality said the character, a jolly singing man who appears in the streets during the Iranian New Year to wish people good fortune, has been altered due to concerns over racial undertones.

The coverage: Following the announcement, Tehran’s Reformist-led municipal government came under attack on social media...