Create a password protected xlsm pack with group/ungroup columns

Hi
I have a generator that push out data to another xlsm pack. In this pack I am grouping columns and also have ungrouped rows where the user will be allowed to group/ungroup rows and columns, enter data into unlocked cells and save again etc. But I have trouble to generate the pack with grouped columns and then when I open this pack I cannot group/ungroup due to sheet protection. Can you assist please?

It should also be noted that there are multiple levels of this grouping.