diff --git a/internal/cnpgi/operator/lifecycle.go b/internal/cnpgi/operator/lifecycle.go
index f2a7307..eb2513c 100644
--- a/internal/cnpgi/operator/lifecycle.go
+++ b/internal/cnpgi/operator/lifecycle.go
@@ -95,6 +95,15 @@ func (impl LifecycleImplementation) LifecycleHook(
 		return nil, nil
 	}
 
+	// Only allow modifications during EVALUATE or CREATE operations.
+	// For PATCH, UPDATE, or other operations, skip processing as the operator will handle changes during EVALUATE.
+	if *operation != lifecycle.OperatorOperationType_TYPE_EVALUATE &&
+		*operation != lifecycle.OperatorOperationType_TYPE_CREATE {
+		contextLogger.Trace("Skipping lifecycle hook: operation is not EVALUATE or CREATE",
+			"operation", operation.String())
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+
 	switch kind {
 	case "Pod":
 		contextLogger.Info("Reconciling pod")