"As elected officials, we have to set an example. We have to be extra careful that we are complying with rules and really being role models," the mayor said.
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Pelosi received criticism this week after a visit to a San Francisco salon during a time when indoor hair salons were not allowed to operate under the city's COVID-19 guidelines.
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A spokesperson for the San Francisco congresswoman said the business offered to cut Pelosi's hair and told her they were allowed to have one customer at a time inside the Union Street business.
"The Speaker complied with the rules as presented to her by this establishment," said spokesperson Drew Hammill.
Video footage showed Pelosi with a mask around her neck, rather than her face.
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Under San Francisco's COVID-19 regulations, indoor salons are not allowed to operate.
"I think it's very unfortunate," Mayor Schaaf said. "It sounds like it was an honest misunderstanding, but I think people do expect us to be perfect, so we will try to do that. I know it's hard, speaking from personal experience."
Hair salons began operating outdoors Tuesday in San Francisco.
VIDEO: San Francisco business owners plea for clearer guidelines after getting green light to reopen
SF business owners plea for clearer reopening guidelines