Applying a style in a template with protected sections

[sj]

I have a template with custom styles. The template is a Word 97-2003
template. The template is protected for filling in forms and select
sections being protected. When using Word 2007 (compatibility mode) I cannot
apply a style in an unprotected section of the document. I select the style
using the styles dialog box and get a "Ths modification is not allowed
because the section is locked." message. If I unprotect the document I can
apply the style. Unprotecting the document is not a desireable work around
because of bookmarks embedded in the template. When user's unprotect the
document they often inadvertantly delete the bookmarks too. We have a mix of
Office 2003 & 2007 in our facitlity so for now, I need to keep the template
as Word 97-2003 template.

Is there a way to apply the styles without unprotecting the document?

 

[finalword]

If you've protected the document for forms, then all they should be able to
do is enter data into the fields in your form. You shouldn't be able to
style anything. How are you applying the protection?

 

[sj]

The document has 4 sections. Sections 1 & 4 are protected (for filling in
forms), sections 2 & 3 are not protected. If I'm editing in section 2 & 3 I
cannot apply styles. Using Word 2003, I can apply styles when editing in
section 2 & 3.