It is possible that what is meant by these two narrations is young girls from among the women, not adult women, because it is permissible for them to pray without a head covering (qina‘). It is also possible that this permission was granted in a situation where they are unable or do not have access to a head covering, then in such a case, it is permissible for them to pray without one. Another possibility is that the meaning of the phrase "she prays without a head covering" refers to when she is wearing a garment that covers her from head to toe. As for the second narration, it does not mention a "free woman" (hurrah), but only refers to a "Muslim woman," and it is possible that the intent was a slave woman (amah), as it is not obligatory for her to wear a head covering, as we have previously mentioned. What further clarifies this is:
Commentary #20