They simply ignored it. Even circumcision was ignored while the people died off in the desert before going into the Holy Land. Moses then had the children of those who died circumcised. The LAW has several things to say about prostitution as it is forbidden, yet Solomon made a judgement between two of prostitutes. He never condemned them.
let's also remember that part of the written law was misplaced for many years till found in the overhaul and maintenance of the Temple.