KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban vowed Tuesday as part of a publicity blitz to respect women's rights, forgive those who fought them and ensure Afghanistan does not become a haven for terrorists.

Older generations remember the Taliban's previous rule, when they largely confined women to their homes, banned television and music, and held public executions.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's longtime spokesman, emerged from the shadows Tuesday in his first-ever public appearance for a news conference.

He promised the Taliban would honor women's rights within the norms of Islamic law, without elaborating. The Taliban have encouraged women to return to work and have allowed girls to return to school, handing out Islamic headscarves at the door.

Mujahid also said the Taliban would not allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for attacking other countries, as it was in the years before 9/11. He reiterated that the Taliban have offered full amnesty to Afghans who worked for the U.S. and the Western-backed government. He said private media should be “independent” but journalists “should not work against national values.”

Kabul, the capital, has remained calm as the Taliban patrol its streets. But many remain fearful after prisons and armories emptied out during the insurgents' sweep across the country.

Kabul residents say groups of armed men have been going door-to-door seeking out individuals who worked with the ousted government and security forces, but it was unclear if the gunmen were Taliban or criminals.

A broadcaster in Afghanistan said she was hiding at a relative's house, too frightened to return home much less go to work. She said she and other women do not believe the Taliban have changed their ways. She spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared for her safety.