API ability to update requested items when there is an approval on the ticket

We have a service catalog request that is utilizing a few fields that are hidden from the requestor to store data about the request, one of which was keeping track status of the backend automation processes required.  Basic flow the of request is data gathered from requestor > automated data validation with manual triage if required > business owner approval > automated completion of request with manual triage if required.  Up until the approval is added, the API can interact with the requested item on the ticket.  Once an approval is added, the API is no longer able to interact with the requested item unless the approval is removed from the ticket.  Business rules for forms can be used to bypass this via the UI, but i confirmed with support that the API is not able to utilize the business rules method to work around this.