Remove Pfister Shower Valve Cover

[abramz]

I have an older Price Pfister shower handle with a leak on the hot water side. After I remove the handle, I encounter a cover or sheath over the valve. I cannot remove the sheath. I have tried the usual: push pull wiggle tap bang turn.

Pictures are of the handle on/off, and a closeup.

 

[Terry]

The metal part pulls off. Sometimes wiggling it a bit helps.
That or a handle puller.