Muhammad: The "Banned" Images Blog Free Speech at Risk

Government Control Over the Means of Hair Cutting

What, in principle, is the difference between this:

"A Little Off the Top? Only if Tehran Approves" http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/world/middleeast/07haircut.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=a+little+off+the+top&st=cse

And this?

In California, as in other states, one can cut hair, but only if the state approves -- with requirements that include: "Completed a course in barbering from a school approved by the board (1,500 hours). Completed an apprenticeship program in barbering approved by the board as conducted under the provisions of the Shelley-Maloney Apprentice Labor
Standards Act of 1939, Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3070) of Division 3 of the Labor Code." http://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/licensees/licensing_faqs.shtm