Was the advice not to place pictures of women as profile pictures based on the verse from Surat An-Nur and the Hadith "the adultery of the eyes is looking" correct, and was the interpretation of these texts for this situation sound, and what is the appropriate response if it is argued that the Hadith means this is not forbidden but rather predetermined?

It is correct to infer from the Qur'anic verse and the Hadith the prohibition of posting women's pictures on social media platforms that men can access. It is not permissible to justify posting women's pictures on such platforms by claiming that Allah has decreed for every son of Adam his share of zina (unlawful sexual intercourse), for this is a false argument based on divine decree. Allah has forbidden zina and prescribed preventive measures against it, such as lowering the gaze. The Sharia repels divine decree, and arguing with divine decree to violate the Sharia is a false and contradictory statement.