Iconoclasm is not now, and never has been, an instance of such cleansing. Indeed, if I may revise my statement, the results of protestant iconoclasm infiltrating the Catholic Church are an example of the temple pollution that needs to be cleansed. Iconoclasm is ultimately a celebration of ugliness; a rejection of the beauty of God and His creation. If that's what you want, knock yourself out. But don't pretend to be Christian when you're doing it.
"Iconoclasm is ultimately a celebration of ugliness; a rejection of the beauty of God and His creation. "
Under the right conditions iconoclasm is certainly permitted.
Exodus 23:24
Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.