That's not protective, that's straight up insecure, controlling behavior.

Protective is walking on the street side of the sidewalk. Protective is insisting on walking you to your car in the dark. Protective is staying in their car after they drop you off and waiting to watch you open your door and get safely into your house before they leave.

There's a big difference between a guy trying to tell you what you can and can't do based on what makes HIM comfortable, and a guy legit looking out for your safety.