So did the executive order specifically define the punishment? It was my understanding that the sentence was presented as a choice by the judge that she must apologize and admit she was being selfish or go to jail for 7 days. Never heard of such a sentence before, have you?
Maybe Gov Abbott never dreamed a judge would misconstrue the intention of the order in such a perverse fashion.
The authority for the EO rests on the Texas Disaster Relief Act of 1975 which says:
"The plan may prescribe a punishment for the offense but may not prescribe a fine that exceeds $1,000 or confinement in jail for a term that exceeds 180 days."
In reality I think she was sentenced for violating the judge's cease and desist order and the judge has pretty broad discretion on punishment.
It isn't unusual for judges to offer the chance to make apologies or do community service in lieu of jail time for civil violations like this.