[Python] Pip wont let me install --user any more, shows externally managed env error

I have used --user in the past to not have to deal with virtualenvs in the past, but I cant seem to do it now, presumably on a different python version..

$ pip install --user esphome
error: externally-managed-environment

× This environment is externally managed
╰─> To install Python packages system-wide, try apt install
python3-xyz, where xyz is the package you are trying to
install.

If you wish to install a non-Debian-packaged Python package,
create a virtual environment using python3 -m venv path/to/venv.
Then use path/to/venv/bin/python and path/to/venv/bin/pip. Make
sure you have python3-full installed.

If you wish to install a non-Debian packaged Python application,
it may be easiest to use pipx install xyz, which will manage a
virtual environment for you. Make sure you have pipx installed.

See /usr/share/doc/python3.12/README.venv for more information.

note: If you believe this is a mistake, please contact your Python installation or OS distribution provider. You can override this, at the risk of breaking your Python installation or OS, by passing --break-system-packages.
hint: See PEP 668 for the detailed specification.


$ python3 --version
Python 3.12.3

$ pip3 --version
pip 24.0 from /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/pip (python 3.12)


In the past I would expect --user to work, not sure if this is intentional or a bug, as --user without root access shouldnt break system installed stuff.

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