Seiran,
There is no requirement for instrument time whether actually in cloud, or simulated under the hood.
There is also no requirement for it to be conducted under the IFR.
Nor is there a requirement for a safety pilot.
Legally speaking you can hire a VFR C150 and fly an NDB or ILS approach in day VFR conditions on your own looking out the window and satisfy the requirement. The intent is to orientate yourself with flying an approach of similar procedures. Procedure being the key word. Imagine trying to fly an approach holding tracks and altitudes within tolerance without looking at your instruments!
This is how it was both before and after Part 61 for instrument approach recency so it hasn't actually changed.
What has changed is the impossible to meet 3 hours 'instrument flight time' in 90 days that was previously required under the old rules. Unless you had access to a simulator, or a buddy to take with you to be safety pilot under the hood, 99% of GA pilots, or even airline pilots for that matter had a chance of meeting this requirement!
The onus is now on you to maintain your instrument flying abilities as the regs only really cover approaches.