The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word DEPRECATED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
E
P
R
E
C
A
T
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "pulled to pieces" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pulled to pieces = deprecated.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DEPRECATED mean?
DEPRECATED verb- To belittle or express disapproval of.
- To declare something obsolescent; to recommend against a function, technique, command, etc. that still works but has been replaced.
- To pray against.
- To regret deeply.
- Strongly disapproved of.
- Belittled; insulted.
- Said of a function or feature planned to be phased out, but still available for use.