how
i still have android 4.4.2
Well it looks like you might be in luck as long as you don't update to Android 4.4.3. There's a thing out there called App Ops that lets you manage permissions for apps.http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/07/25/app-ops-android-4-3s-hidden-app-permission-manager-control-permissions-for-individual-apps/It says 4.3 only but I've looked around and it's apparently enabled on 4.4.2 as well.
play store says this version is incompatible with my phone
No and the scenario that happened to you, OP, was a coincidence
either a coincidence or you are 100% bullstuffting, which im leaning on the bullstuffting side.