What should I do about being accused of hypocrisy and being the cause of discord among my friends: Should I distance myself, or should I ask for forgiveness and disregard their judgment?

A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe. The rights of relatives, friends, and neighbors are immense. Causing harm to Muslims and sowing discord among them is a major sin that necessitates immediate repentance, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The worst of Allah's servants are those who go about with slandering, those who separate loved ones, and those who seek faults in the innocent." One must hasten to sincere repentance and apologize to the friends, seeking their forgiveness, because sincere repentance erases what came before it, for he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin." And the friends should accept the apology.