What is the ruling of Sharia regarding a friend who wore a head covering for a period and then removed it, knowing that she was not fully committed to the conditions of the legitimate hijab, and is she considered an apostate from Islam? And should one distance oneself from her?

Uncovering the head is not apostasy, but rather a sin for violating the شرعي (legally prescribed) command to cover it, mentioned in the Almighty's saying: "And not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof; and to draw their headcovers over their bosoms" and His saying: "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments."

The girl should be helped to become upright through cooperation in righteousness and piety and mutual advice, by trying to connect her with righteous friends, lending her beneficial materials, encouraging her to read books of encouragement and deterrence, and frequently supplicating for her guidance.