Expanded wire lath is what I'm used to seeing it called. No access to the back makes it much trickier for sure...
Which direction is the expected force? Diamond-shaped pieces with a lip along the top at the back and the front at the bottom so they can be angled it you sit in place bit will work for a downward pull. Similar to how some hooks engage with pegboard or slatwall.
You don't even need the full diamond shape, just the bottom half with a deep enough slotted channel to insert and pull down over the metal to secure it into place. Something like this cleat hanger but with the slot instead of a diagonal wedge.